Mali separatist rebels release 82 soldiers, including some held since an April attack, rebels and the military say

Separatists in northern Mali have released 82 captured soldiers, according to confirmations from both the Malian military and a rebel spokesperson on Thursday. The freed personnel include individuals who had been held captive since a major nationwide attack on government forces that occurred in April.

The simultaneous announcements from opposing sides mark a notable development in the ongoing conflict between northern separatist factions and the Malian government. Details regarding the conditions of the release or potential negotiations leading up to the handover were not provided in the initial reports.