Gao airport in northern Mali secured (Maj)
(BRUSSELS2) The “ French forces seized the airport area and the bridge in Gao, northeast Mali announced the Minister of Defence, JY Le Drian on Saturday morning (January 26). The operation occurred overnight from Friday to Saturday. The holding of these two points was strategic in order to guarantee the supply of French and Malian troops as well as the arrival of African reinforcements. The offensive continues with the city of Gao as its objective, but also Bourem, then Timbuktu on one side (another column from Diabali is also heading there), Kidal on the other. " The jihadist terrorists who confronted the Malian and French armies saw many of their mobile means and their logistics sites destroyed added the press release. According to official sources, 3700 French soldiers were directly involved in Operation Serval on Saturday (January 26), including 2500 on Malian territory.
Gao is released, African reinforcements
(up 19 p.m.) Another press release from the French Ministry of Defense completed this initial information announcing that “ Gao is released ". The military system in the Gao area will be reinforced this Saturday "with the commitment of Malian soldiers and a unit from the combined arms tactical sub-group" (SGTIA). African contingents, made up of Nigerien and Chadian soldiers, are on their way. to take over from our forces ”says one to the press service of the (French) armies. " The African and Malian armies will have to secure the region of Gao and its inhabitants, gradually freed from the risk of terrorism. This will thus allow the French to rush further north.
Restoration of regular powers
But military action is not enough. " The restoration of regular powers in Gao presupposes putting jihadist terrorists out of harm's way and allowing the proper functioning of local authorities. » As of Saturday evening, Sadou Diallo, the mayor of Gao who took refuge in Bamako, was able to return to his city accompanied by Colonel Dako, it is said at the Ministry of Defense in Paris. NB: Colonel Didier Dako commands the Malian tactical staff.
