Fighting intensifies in northern Mali
- 11 years ago
Latest fighting in northern Mali has left one French soldier and 20 rebels dead.
Video released before the French regiment came under fire shows troops conducting search operations as they secure control of a region formerly controlled by Islamist rebels.
The soldier was only the second French military casualty since Paris deployed troops to the region
Around 4,000 French troops, backed by the Malian army and several thousand troops from other African states, have driven Islamist rebels deep into the mountains in the north.
Elsewhere in northern Mali - these pictures show French and Malian troops driving abandoned trucks with Russian-made rocket launchers left behind by the rebels.
France's Defence Ministry says the seized equipment shows how well-prepared these rebels were for their battle to take over Mali.
French leaders have said they intend to begin pulling their troops out and handing over to U.N backed forces in March.
Video released before the French regiment came under fire shows troops conducting search operations as they secure control of a region formerly controlled by Islamist rebels.
The soldier was only the second French military casualty since Paris deployed troops to the region
Around 4,000 French troops, backed by the Malian army and several thousand troops from other African states, have driven Islamist rebels deep into the mountains in the north.
Elsewhere in northern Mali - these pictures show French and Malian troops driving abandoned trucks with Russian-made rocket launchers left behind by the rebels.
France's Defence Ministry says the seized equipment shows how well-prepared these rebels were for their battle to take over Mali.
French leaders have said they intend to begin pulling their troops out and handing over to U.N backed forces in March.