Breaking: French forces hit Mali town after fresh Islamist occupation

Last updated: January 15, 2013 11:23 am

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French soldiers from the 2nd RIMA (French Navy Infantry Regiment), arriving from France, prepare at the 101 military airbase near Bamako on January 14, 2013, before their deployment in the north of Mali. France is using air and ground power in a joint offensive with Malian soldiers launched on January 11 against hardline Islamist groups controlling northern Mali. AFP PHOTO / ISSOUF SANOGO

AFP- The French army carried out overnight airstrikes on the western town of Diabaly in Mali’s government-held south which was seized by Islamists on Monday, a security source said.

“The planes struck the zone of Diabaly. At least five Islamists were killed and many injured,” said the source on condition of anonymity. A resident of a neighbouring town witnessed armed Islamists fleeing the strikes.