France Airstrikes in Mali, Over 50 Al-Qaeda-Linked Jihadists Killed

Mali : More than 50 al-Qaeda-linked terrorists have been killed in an air strike in central Mali, said the French government. French Defense Minister Florence Parly said French troops had taken action in the border areas between Burkina Faso and Niger. The area is dominated by Islamic insurgents.

More than 50 jihadists were killed in an operation in Mali on October 30. Large quantities of arms were seized from them,’ said Parly. Parly said the drone strike was followed by a photo of a convoy of more than 30 two-wheelers. Parly had met with Nigerian President Mohammedou Issoufou and Defense Minister Issoufou Katambe a few days ago.

Jihadists were attacked by two Mirage planes while traveling on a two-wheeler. At that moment, terrorists tried to hide under the trees. The planes then fired missiles. Terrorists were killed in it, Parly said. Four militants were captured alive after the attack, Army spokesman Colonel Frederick Barbre said. A large quantity of explosives was found from the terrorists. They were preparing to attack military parts of the area, Barbre told reporters through a conference call.

Barbara also said that action is being taken against Islamic State in the Sahara. The operation in the Greater Sahara involves 3,000 troops. The action has been going on in Sahara for over a month. The details of the action will be announced soon, he added.