Blind Squirrel, I too thought the reports of wreckage in Tilemsi seemed strange (too far west).
However, it appears there are two towns or areas named Tilemsi in Mali.
One to the west, in the Tombouctou region
Tilemsi, Tombouctou - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Another in the north east, not too far from Gao.
Tilemsi, Gao - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
That seems more in line with what the Malian president stated about the wreckage being near Kidal.