Paris, Feb 7, 2020 – French forces have put 30 jihadists “out of action” during Mali operations in a zone bordering Burkina Faso and Niger, a military spokesman said Friday. He added that during two clashes earlier in the week, troops from the French-led Operation Barkhane had “neutralised” 10 other jihadists in areas where the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara group is known to be active. France is seeking to underline its regional commitment after losing 13 soldiers when two helicopters collided during a night operation in November. Paris will also send around 100 armoured vehicles to the region, a military source told AFP, in response to a spike in violence that has fueled feelings of increased insecurity among locals. France has lost 41 soldiers during the operation so far as it tries to train local forces that are unable to take on jihadist groups by themselves.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 07, 2020 19:41 UTC