the recovery of 2 towns of Diabali and Douentza confirmed by the armies
(B2) The Ministry of Defense confirmed at 14 p.m. the resumption of control of the towns of Diabali and Douentza by the armed forces of Mali on Monday (17 January morning). These towns, occupied by the jihadist terrorists were located respectively about 400 and 800 km northeast of the capital Bamako. The Malian soldiers were supported by French forces, based in Niono and Mopti-Sévaré “says the press release.
Avoid the creation of a terrorist sanctuary
For the French Minister of Defense, Jean-Yves Le Drian, who are " this advance of the Malian army towards the cities held by their enemies constitutes a certain military success for the government of Bamako and for the French forces, intervening in support in these operations”. And the Minister to add his "total confidence" in “our soldiers engaged with determination”. And to recall the objective of the mission decided by the President of the Republic: "restore Mali's sovereignty over its territory and avert the risk of creating a terrorist sanctuary in the heart of Africa".
3150 soldiers engaged
According to the armies, 3150 French soldiers are currently engaged in Operation Serval, including 2150 on Malian territory. NB: the rest are often based in the surrounding countries (Chad, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast...). This figure does not include all the forces on alert in France - under the "Cheetah" alert (army) or others, which can intervene as reinforcements if necessary.