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French troops deployed in Mali, file photo.
France has launched a major offensive against Al Qaeda bases in Mali, a West African country. More than 50 militants have so far died in the attack.
France launched an operation on Friday (October 30) in the border areas of Burkina Faso and Nigeria, French Defense Minister Florence Parley said. French drones patrolled the area. At that time, a large convoy of militants from the Anarul Islam group came to their attention in central Mali. This Anarul group works primarily with al-Qaeda.
Parley added that the militants took refuge in a secret hiding place after seeing French surveillance drones. However, the air force identified the camp and launched an attack. Most of the militants died in the attack. Four militants have been arrested. Many weapons and explosives were recovered from the scene.
Shortly after the incident, the French defense minister went there to meet with the Nigerian president and defense minister. The French government has also confirmed the release of four French from the rebels in exchange for the release of 200 prisoners in Mali.
Last June, the French army had great success in Mali. Al Qaeda leader Abdelmalek Drukdel was killed in an attack by French troops. However, Parli did not say whether the al Qaeda commander was killed in Friday’s attack.
France has deployed 5,000 soldiers in the region to fight the rebels.
Source: Deutsche Welle
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