French Air Strikes in Mali Continue for 3rd Day

The strikes of the French army against Islamist militants in northern Mali are continuing for a third day Sunday.

French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian has stated that his country has even increased forces to be deployed in Mali in the help of the government forces.

At home, French President Francois Hollande announced increased security measures in the wake of the intervention.

France is using special tactical GTIA units deployed in Ivory Coast and Chad.

France's decision to intervene so soon took many by surprise, writes the BBC.

The Independent has added that the UK government has offered logistical help, but will have no military personnel participate in combat.

A UN-backed international force had not been expected to deploy in the west African state until the autumn

The French authorities have reported destroying many targets of the militants, whom they have however described as surprisingly well prepared.

Human Rights watch, on their part, have reported on dozens of civilian deaths.

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