From Mali, CEOAFRICA.com gathered that the only bridge linking the city of Gao with neighbouring Niger has been blown off by suspected Islamists few hours ago.

The attack comes a day after shells were fired into Gao, also by suspected Islamists.

Islamist militants controlled the whole of northern Mali until France and several African countries ousted them earlier this year.

Last week, the MNLA ethnic Tuareg separatist rebels attacked Kidal, the main town north of Gao, after saying they were pulling out of a peace deal.

The MNLA formed an alliance with several al-Qaeda-linked groups in 2012 but this soon broke down, with the Islamists seizing control of the major northern towns.