Mali's army says heavily armed men have attacked a camp in central Mali, killing at least 23 soldiers.

The army said Monday the attack on Sunday, which is the most deadly against the army this year, took place in the village of Dioura.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it bears the mark of al-Qaida-related jihadist groups that have been regularly attacking the army and international forces in central Mali.

Mali's army has blamed the attack on Ba Ag Moussa, a former colonel of the Malian army who deserted in 2012 to join the Tuareg rebellion before joining al-Qaida. However, this announcement by the army comes as debates are being held about integrating former rebels into the army as part of a peace agreement. Many senior Malian officersHead Coach Ange Postecoglou today revealed the 23 players that will represent Australia at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The squad will be captained by midfielder Mile Jedinak with Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano and Mark Milligan becoming the first Australian football players to represent the Socceroos at three World Cup tournaments following the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.

The Socceroos squad is made up of three goalkeepers, six defenders, 10 midfielders and four strikers with seven of the 23 players currently playing in the Hyundai A-League.

The four players to miss out on the final squad are Mark Birighitti, Josh Kennedy, Tom Rogic and Luke Wilkshire.

“Every step of the selection process has been difficult because the players have worked very hard since they came into camp but