Bamako, Mali - Ten Malian soldiers and 17 Tuareg rebels were killed in an attack on an army post in the north-east of the country, the defence ministry said Thursday.

Radio France International reported that six soldiers were wounded during the eight-hour battle, which the rebels launched despite a recent ceasefire.

According to the radio station, several sources said the attack was launched to avenge the recent death of rebel leader Barka Cheik.

Under the peace deal, the government promised to reduce the number of soldiers in the north while the Tuareg promised to release 30 soldiers captured during fighting.

Militants from the Tuareg, who are a nomadic people inhabiting the Sahara region, have been engaged in sporadic fighting in both Mali and Niger for over 20 years.

The Tuareg feel they suffer from lack of political representation and economic disadvantages. (dpa)