French warplanes attack rebels in N. Mali
French warplanes are continuing their attacks on rebels in Mali. France's air force is now targeting the last place that the rebels hold. A total of 30 jet fighters hit rebel positions in and near the northern town of Kidal. French soldiers took over Kidal airport on Wednesday, but rebel Tuareg soldiers still control the town, which is close to the border with Algeria. French President Francois Hollande said he was pleased with the progress France has made so far. However, he warned that the fight was not yet over. He told reporters: "There is still a whole part of the north that remains unconquered. There are terrorist groups concentrated in some areas of the country. There are still risks of terrorism." Mr Hollande spent one day in Mali last week. He was warmly welcomed by large crowds in the desert town of Timbuktu. He also visited the capital Bamako, where he told people that the rebel fighters had suffered big losses in France's three-week campaign. The French president also promised he would help Mali rebuild after the conflict is over. Mr Hollande said France would provide Mali with aid for buildings and roads. He also said Mali would get help to restore cultural and historical sites that the rebels damaged. Hollande added that French troops would leave Mali after the government regains control of all its land. Once France leaves, a UN-backed African force will help keep the peace in Mali. |