Four Malian soldiers got killed in a fresh attack in the country’s restive central region on Wednesday.

A source at the region’s security ministry said the attack took place near Alatona, not far from the Mauritania border. However there was no information on the identity of the attackers.

Central Mali has been the centre of jihadist attacks and inter-communal violence.

A source told newsmen that “Four soldiers were killed and two vehicles stolen. This is the provisional toll that we have received.”

The death toll figure was given by an army lieutenant.

The attack significantly marks the fourth on the Malian security forces since the military overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18. A total of 22 have been killed.