The Malian army said it had carried out air and ground operations targeting armed-group positions in the northern areas of Talhandak, Kidal and Tessalit as part of Operation Dougoukoloko, which it is conducting to regain control and reinforce its military presence in the region.
The army's general staff said its forces had conducted precision strikes following surveillance and reconnaissance, targeting gatherings and sites it said belonged to armed groups. It reported the destruction of vehicles and military equipment at several locations.
The operations followed the reported recapture of Kidal by Malian forces supported by Russian personnel, after fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front withdrew. The development reflected an escalation of military operations in northern Mali.
