Mali - Aid officials say at least 30,000 people are now displaced within Mali, where Tuareg rebels are fighting government forces.

The International Committee of the Red Cross says that's in addition to the thousands of other Malians who have fled to the neighboring West African countries of Niger, Mauritania and Burkina Faso.

Members of a Tuareg rebel group began a series of attacks on Jan. 17, saying they are fighting for independence from the Malian government.

In just over two weeks, the rebels have attacked at least six towns in northern Mali.

Some civilians are fleeing areas where fighting is taking place, while others fear there could be revenge attacks against those believed to be Tuareg.