On 17 January 2012, at around 6 am in the morning, the Malian army in Ménaka was attacked by MNLA forces. Both military bases in the town were reportedly under attack. Rebels captured one of the two key bases, but lost it when Malian forces launched a counter-attack against them. Malian reinforcements arrived backed by a squadron of combat helicopters, were able to drive rebels positions back. Along with the reinforcements 3 officers and soldiers of Tuareg descent, deserted the army along with 30 military vehicles, says an MNLA spokesmen. Following the desertions, the Malian army executed 3 of their own soldiers who were of Tuareg background. The total casualty toll for Malian forces claimed by the MNLA was; 2 KIA, 13 wounded, 2 air-planes destroyed, and 3 of their own executed.