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. Colonel Frederic Barbry said an armed drone, a Mirage 2000 jet and two helicopters had “neutralised around 20 terrorists” in two strikes that also destroyed several vehicles in skirmishes between Thursday and Friday around Liptako-Gourma, a zone that shares borders with Mali’s neighbours.
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. When reporting on activities in the region, the French army groups together those killed, injured or taken prisoner under the terms “neutralised” or taken “out of action.”
Last Sunday, France said it would boost its military presence in the Sahel by deploying 600 fresh troops to its 4,500-strong operation in Mali and four other countries. 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.
By AFP
