Rockets fired at northern Malian town of Gao

BAMAKO, Mali >> Residents and military officials say several rockets have landed on the northern Malian town of Gao, a sign of continuing insecurity just days before the country’s legislative elections.

The city’s military spokesman, Capt. Daouda Sidiki Diarra, said the type of rockets used Thursday is the signature of an al-Qaida-inspired group that used to control the city.

The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa is one of three al-Qaida-linked groups that invaded northern Mali last year. They took over the city of Gao, imposing brutal Shariah rule.

Mali is set to hold legislative elections on Sunday, the last step in restoring constitutional rule following a 2012 coup, which plunged the nation into disarray.

The rockets were aimed at a military post, but missed, and no casualties were reported.