Mali government says death toll from double attack rises to 38

BAMAKO (Reuters) - The death toll from attacks on two army bases in central Mali has risen to 38 from 25, defence minister Dahirou Dembélé said on state television late on Thursday.

The double attack, carried out by unidentified assailants, was among the deadliest suffered by Malian forces this year as they struggle to contain militant groups with links to al Qaeda or Islamic State that have set up operations in parts of Mali from where they launch attacks across the Sahel.

(Reporting By Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Chris Reese)