More than 30 terrorists killed in the French action carried out in Mali by dro

Paris/Abidjan: More than 30 terrorists were killed in an aggressive action taken by the French military, against the IS and Al Qaeda affiliated terrorist organisations. This action was carried out in the Liptako-Gourma region in Mali, which is connected with the borders of Niger and Burkina Faso. Only a few days ago, France had declared additional deployment of 600 soldiers, in the Sahel region for counter-terrorism campaign. Taking a major action following this additional deployment, France has indicated that the actions will become more and more aggressive, in the time to come.

The intensity of the terror attacks had increased in the region, known as the Sahel region, in West Africa. The terrorists were consistently attacking the militaries of Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from the groups affiliated to IS and AL Qaeda. More than 300 soldiers are said to have been killed in these attacks. The French military too lost a few of its soldiers, deployed in the Sahel region. Thereafter, France took the decision to increase the deployment and the scope of the campaign.

The action in the Liptako-Gourma region is a part of the same enhanced campaign. This region of Mali is connected to Burkina Faso and Niger and information had been received that there are major terrorist movements in this area. On receipt of the information, the French military carried out attacks on two successive nights, on Thursday and Friday. More than 30 terrorists were killed in action and their vehicles and weapons also were destroyed. The French military officials informed that Ripper drones, Mirage fighter jets, Eurocopter Tiger Attack Helicopter, Cougar Transport helicopters were used in operation.

This is the second major action carried out by the French military against terrorists in Mali, in the last three months. Before this, in December, 33 terrorists from an Al Qaeda affiliated terrorist organisation had been killed in action carried out, by the French military, in the Mopti region of Mali. Drones and helicopters had been used during this action too. France has deployed 4,500 soldiers, in the Sahel region, under the campaign ‘Operation Barkhane’. But France decided to increase the deployment, as the campaign was not being reasonably successful.

France, during the meeting of the African and European countries, held in the last month, had indicated of a decisive battle against terrorism in the Sahel region. As a part of the same initiative, France has deployed an additional 600 soldiers in the region. It is being said that European countries and African countries also will be deploying their troupes in the Sahel region.