On 12 March, a Chadian soldier was killed in a skirmish along with six Islamists, according to military officials.
At least 13 Chadian soldiers were killed on the spot and those who were badly injured, rarely escaped death in the coming days.
Throughout the operation Chadian soldiers were supported by French warplanes who brought fire support and aerial coverage.
Chadian soldiers said they saw Sudanese soldiers guarding it.
On Friday morning 12 April 2013, a group of Chadian soldiers stationed in Kidal went to the local market to buy supplies.
According to residents, the incident occurred on a street commonly frequented by Chadian soldiers, located about 100 meters from the town market itself.
A fourth Chadian soldier who was injured in the attack died overnight at a hospital in Gao.
More than 70 militiamen and 10 Chadian soldiers were killed in one gun battle in April.
On 22 February, 13 Chadian soldiers and 65 Islamist where killed during heavy fighting in the northern mountains.
In recent months, scores of Chadian soldiers have defected to the rebel militias.
