France vows to pull troops out 'in matter of weeks'
Wednesday 20 February 2013
Printable
EmailFrench Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian claimed today that his country would pull out of Mali in "a matter of weeks."
France sent troops to Mali on January 11 to spearhead the recapture of the country's north from Islamist militants.
Alongside African forces, it retook major cities relatively swiftly, but there were fears of a drawn-out conflict as rebels fled to the mountains.
Mr Le Drian said African forces weren't ready to take over yet, but said France had "no reason to stay" once they were.
A legionnaire became only the second French fatality of the campaign on Tuesday as forces clashed with jihadists in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range.
It is thought that seven French hostages are hidden in the area.
The army said 20 militants were also killed in the fighting.
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
It doesn't have to be like this
Official inflation figures understate the real extent of rising costs, but even the government's own CPI scheme lays bare the ongoing misery for working people and those dependent on benefits.
Features
A strategy for our victory
The Con-Dems have had it their way too long. We have to turn this country around
Education for all: let's make it a reality
How high-quality primary schooling could help solve global poverty