Junta claims control in Mali

Gunfire echoed across Bamako today as Malian government troops battled each other, with one side trying to oust soldiers who seized power in a coup over a month ago.

Mali’s coup leaders, who ostensibly handed over power to an interim civilian government on April 12 but who still wield power, said they control the state broadcaster, the airport and a military base, fending off attacks by opposing forces.