More than 1,800 Chadian soldiers with French troops in Kidal to secure the city 0502132

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French Armed Forces Operation Serval in Mali

 
 
Tuesday, February 5, 2013, 09:29 PM
 
More than 1,800 Chadian soldiers with French troops in Kidal to secure the city.
Some 1,800 Chadian soldiers have entered Kidal, the last major town in northern Mali under rebel control, the French military says. French-led forces captured Kidal's airport last week but have not yet secured the town itself. The French soldiers meanwhile continue control of the airport thanks to the reinforcement of two sections of paratroopers from the 1e RCP (1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment).
     
Since January 31, 2013, the French air operations continued with more than 135 missions including nearly thirty dedicated for the fighter aircraft. These operations resulted in the destruction of many important targets, as logistic facilities and training centers north of Kidal and in the areas of Aguelhok and Tessalit. These air strikes were carried out by fighter aircraft but also by attack helicopters.
French fighter aircraft ready to take-off for air strikes northern of Mali.

     

Since January 31, 2013, the French air operations continued with more than 135 missions including nearly thirty dedicated for the fighter aircraft. These operations resulted in the destruction of many important targets, as logistic facilities and training centers north of Kidal and in the areas of Aguelhok and Tessalit. These air strikes were carried out by fighter aircraft but also by attack helicopters.

On the ground, the French forces with African soldiers and the Malian army continue to control the area of Niger River and strengthen the military forces in the cities of Timbuktu and Gao.

Soldiers of the 1er RIMa (1st Marine Infantry Regiment) with AMX-10RCR 6x6 reconnaissance armoured vehicles are strengthening troops in Gao, on February 2, 2013. They left from Niamey in Niger the night before.

Currently, there are 4,000 French soldiers deployed in Mali. African contingents reached the number of 3,800 soldiers including 1,800 Chadians, 500 Nigeriens, 640 Togolese, 240 Nigerians, 500 Burkinabe,100 Beninese and 50 Senegalese.

     
Some 1,800 Chadian soldiers have entered Kidal, the last major town in northern Mali under rebel control, the French military says. French-led forces captured Kidal's airport last week but have not yet secured the town itself. The French soldiers meanwhile continue control of the airport thanks to the reinforcement of two sections of paratroopers from the 1e RCP (1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment).
French and African soldiers continue to control the area of Niger River and strengthen the military forces in the cities of Timbuktu and Gao.
     

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