After the capture of Timbuktu airport France continued to strengthen its military power Mali 2901131

French troops are consolidating their position in the city of Timbuktu after seizing it from Islamist extremists. French Col. Thierry Burkhard, chief military spokesman in Paris, said that there had been no combat with the Islamists but that the French and Malian forces did not yet control the town.

French military commanders say soldiers are patrolling the streets of Timbuktu looking to flush out any remaining militants. Once Timbuktu is secured, troops are expected to focus on the last rebel stronghold, Kidal.

France said on Tuesday it had now deployed 3,500 troops and 2,900 African soldiers were on the ground in Mali and Niger, 1,400 Chadian, 500 Nigerien, 350 Togolese, 200 Nigerian, 150 Burkinabe, 100 Benin and 100 Senegalese.

In Dakar, the French amphibious assault ship BPC Dixmude just arrived and began to unload new French troops of the 92e RI (92nd Infantry Regiment) and the 1er RIMa (1st Marine Infantry Regiment), AMX-10RC armoured vehicles and VBCI infantry fighting vehicle that will take the road of Mali.