France’s defense service says French military forces fighting Islamic extremists in West Africa ‘put away’ more than 50 jihadists in a later operation in Mali. Defense Serve Florence Parly tweeted Monday night that the French force within the region, called Barkhane, also seized weapons and equipment from the warriors within the operation final Friday, which she said ‘shows once more that terrorist groups cannot act with impunity’.Islamic extremist rebels were forced from power in northern Mali after a 2013 French-led military operation but regrouped in the desert and now launch frequent attacks on the Malian army and its allies.
Meanwhile, Mali has faced months of political upheaval. Under international pressure, the junta appointed a civilian-led government to lead the country through an 18-month transition period to new elections.
Mali has faced months of political upheaval. Under international pressure, the junta appointed a civilian-led government to lead the country through an 18-month transition period to new elections.