French-backed Malian forces are securing the town of Kidal, the last major stronghold of Islamist militants in the country’s north.

​​Military officials say Friday that Islamist rebels have left the town near the Algerian border and are believed to be hiding in the surrounding mountains and desert.

An official with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says the first phase of the international operation in Mali is about to end. Political director Abdel-Fatau Musah said … [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: War and Conflict