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Updated December 24th, 2019 at 19:52 IST

7 killed after France launches drone attack against terrorists in Mali

The French Defence Ministry on Dec 23 said that it had carried out its first-ever armed drone strike and killed seven Islamic extremists in central Mali.

Reported by: Bhavya Sukheja
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The French Defence Ministry on December 23 reportedly said that it had carried out its first-ever armed drone strike and killed seven Islamic extremists in central Mali. According to the statement released, the armed forces attacked on Saturday approximately 150 kilometres away from the town of Mopti. Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron also announced that the armed forces have 'neutralised' 33 terrorists in central Mali and released two Malian paramilitary police officers who were held hostage. 

President Macron said, “This morning, thanks to the commitment of our troops from the Barkhane force, we were able to neutralize thirty-three terrorists in the Sahel, take a prisoner and release two Malian gendarmes held hostage. Proud of our soldiers who protect us”.

READ: French President Macron Says 33 Islamic Extremists Killed In Central Mali

According to international media reports, France has approximately 4,500 military personnel in West and Central Africa which was ruled by France during colonialism. In recent years, the militants have regrouped and pushed further into central Mali as French-led military operation in 2013 to dislodge Islamic extremists from power in several major towns across Mali's north. On December 20, French President Macron reportedly met with French military personnel stationed in Ivory Coast, which shares a long border with volatile Mali and Burkina Faso and the next day he highlighted the new effort being launched in which the International Academy to Fight Terrorism will reportedly focus on regional strategies and training those involved in the fight against extremism. 

READ: France's Macron Says Colonialism Was 'grave Mistake'

France intervened in Mali six years ago

The former colonial power, France intervened in Mali nearly six years ago to eradicate Islamic State forces who were present in the north and used swathes of the country as a launchpad for its attacks across the desert region. Since then, Paris has deployed its troops in the area as a part of its Barkhane counter-terrorism operations. The Western powers have also provided funding to the regional force constituting soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania. The deaths of soldiers on Monday, bring the total count of the army killed in the Sahel to 28. France has reportedly gained frustration that it is receiving the burnt of operations on the ground even though other European countries have provided logistical support, trainers, and some special forces.

READ: French President Emmanuel Macron Urges Protesters For Christmas Truce

READ: French Activists Use Macron Portraits To Urge Climate Action
 

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Published December 24th, 2019 at 19:16 IST

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