Ten days after MOJWA launched its first attack on Gao, with the intent of retaking the city they launched another one on 20 February 2013. At around 22:00-23:00 local time, MOJWA fighters began exchanging fire with a group of Malian soldiers patrolling through the streets. Fighting had then escalated when MOJWA fighters seized the palace of Independence and the palace of Justice. The fighting continued all through the night between Islamists, Malian and Nigerien troops supported by French helicopters. The fighting took place in Ward 4, north of the city and in the city center near the town hall. During the night, the jihadists crossed the river Niger with canoes and came close to the city center. They then seized the town hall and the governor's house. The clash took place near the city ha