Bamako, Ramadan 1, 1434, Jul 10, 2013, SPA - Two civilians were shot in northern Mali by armed groups trying to sabotage upcoming elections, just a few days after the army entered the rebel-held northern town of Kidal, the Defence Ministry reported Wednesday. "Two nomads were shot at close range by unidentified elements. The one was shot in both legs, the other in the abdomen," Defence Ministry communications officer Lieutenant Colonel Diarran Kone told DPA. The men were shot "by armed groups trying to sabotage the upcoming presidential elections. With their guns, they go from village to village to deter citizens going to the polls on July 28. Those who are reluctant are punished," a military source said. The injured men have been transported to the regional hospital of Gao, roughly 100 kilometres south of Kidal. --SPA 14:40 LOCAL TIME 11:40 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1128216