Military operation goes on in Mali

A high-ranking French military official says a major military offensive against local fighters in the north of Mali continues.

French, Malian, and UN troops are involved in the operation, named Hydra, which is expected to last at least 10 days, according to French military spokesman Colonel Gilles Jaron. 

“It is the first time we have seen forces of significant size working together,” he added.

Jaron did not specify exactly when the offensive had started.

France began a major military intervention in its former colony in January, expressing concerns about the growing influence of militants in northern Mali and a rebellion by Tuareg separatists that threatened the French-backed Malian government.

Following a fierce war against the militants, France handed over control of what it refers to as the “peacekeeping mission” to MINUSMA.

MINUSMA took over security duties in July from a UN-backed African force in Mali. It has some 5,200 troops of its mandated strength of more than 12,000 military personnel.

However, France still maintains more than 3,000 troops in the impoverished African country.