Gunmen have attacked a base for UN peacekeepers in Mali where a recent hotel siege by Islamist extremists left 20 dead, according to Sky News.

The armed assault took place in the northern town of Kidal, where residents heard mortar fire.

It comes just over a week after the attack on a luxury hotel in the capital Bamako.

At least two armed men stormed the luxury Radisson Blu hotel on 20 November, killing six Russians, three Chinese nationals, an American and several others.

The attack was the worst strike by Islamist extremists in Mali for years.

Malian commandos retook the hotel and freed 170 hostages following a siege lasting several hours. The two attackers were killed.

Two people were arrested this week in connection with the raid.

The US embassy in Bamako has warned of possible "further terrorist activity" in the city.

It has advised its citizens to avoid bars, restaurants and shopping centers in the wake of the attack.

Sources: MENA