Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb has claimed responsibility for an attack in central Mali, Fox News reported on Tuesday.
Al-Qaida said its militants occupied Nampala without great fight, and that they are holding captured soldiers.
Defense Ministry adviser Lt. Col. Diarran Kone said Mali's forces were back in control by Monday night.
Six soldiers died and several were injured, according to a security official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
A resident said the damage from the attack was big and he counted about 10 bodies.