As a consequence of the instability following the coup , Northern Mali 's three largest cities—Kidal , Gao and Timbuktu—were overrun by the rebels on three consecutive days .

On 27 June , Islamists from the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa ( MOJWA ) clashed Hostile_encounter with the MNLA in the Battle of Gao , wounding Bodily_harm MNLA secretary-general Bilal Ag Acherif and taking Creating control of the city .

Islamists gained Getting popularity amongst anti-Tuareg tribes that helped Assistance it overthrow MNLA authority in Gao .

Both sides clashed Hostile_encounter repeatedly leading to the Battle of Gao where the MNLA were driven Self_motion from the North 's two main cities , Gao and Timbuktu .

Both sides clashed Hostile_encounter repeatedly leading to the Battle of Gao where the MNLA were driven Self_motion from the North 's two main cities , Gao and Timbuktu .

As a consequence of the instability following Self_motion the coup , Mali 's three largest northern cities—Kidal , Gao and Timbuktu—were overrun Control by the rebels on three consecutive days .