Lt Col Diarran Kone today would not give more details about the attack in Gourma-Rharous, about 160 kilometres south of Timbuktu.
A local official said the assailants destroyed about six armed vehicles but left after failing to take control of the camp. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to reporters.
The town of Gourma-Rharous has been targeted regularly by Islamic extremists in the region. No one has yet claimed responsibility for this attack.