Attack in northern Mali kills 7, but toll certain to rise

At least 37 people have been killed in northern Mali in a car bomb attack on a military base, officials say.

The incident occurred when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a camp housing soldiers and members of rival armed groups in the city of Gao.

Mali's northern desert region has been restive since it was captured by militant Islamists in late 2012.

Despite French military intervention in 2013, the region remains tense with sporadic attacks and kidnappings.

Gao is the main city in northern Mali.