French forces killed an al Qaeda leader during an operation in the Sahel region of Africa, France's armed forces minister said on Friday, vowing to keep a substantial military presence in the region a day after President Emmanuel Macron ordered a draw-down. read moreFrance, the former colonial power, has hailed some success against Sahel militants in recent months. France's military engagement will remain very significant," she said, declining to give details on the troop reductions. Military and diplomatic sources have said France could cut its troop involvement by as much as half from the current 5,100 within two years. We're talking about years not weeks, but the idea is to begin this summer after consultation with our partners."

Source: The North Africa Journal June 11, 2021 14:28 UTC