(Corrects to show that state of emergency was extended, not declared, and period is for 10 days, not three months)

BAMAKO, July 20 (Reuters) - Mali extended a state of emergency for 10 days on Wednesday, the council of ministers said, after a spate of attacks by armed groups killed dozens and destabilised the vast desert country still reeling from an Islamist insurgency.

The council of ministers also declared a three-day period of mourning for the 17 soldiers killed in an attack by suspected Islamists on an army base on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Adama Diarra, Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Leslie Adler)

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