French-joined-Malian-to-BEAT-BACK-Islamist-militants-French-pilot-has-been-KILLED

	French-joined-Malian-to-BEAT-BACK-Islamist-militants-French-pilot-has-been-KILLED French joined Malian to BEAT BACK Islamist militants-French pilot has been KILLED A French pilot has been killed in fighting in Mali, as the European nation continues to launch air strikes against Islamist militants. It comes after Mali's government troops chased rebels out of the key central town of Konna - aided by the French military. The UN Security Council called for a 'speedy deployment' of international forces to battle the rebels - who'd seized the north of the country last April, and since made significant advances. President Hollande announced on Friday that the intervention in Mali 'would last as long as necessary'. France-based independent journalist Robert Harneis believes that French foreign policy contradicts itself. Bamako, Mali (CNN) -- An effort to halt advancing militant Islamist forces has resulted in "many deaths" in northern Mali, a military spokesman said -- with the fatalities including Malian soldiers, insurgents and a French pilot killed in a helicopter raid. Mali is being joined by France -- its former colonial ruler, which recently sent troops there -- as it tries to beat back advances by forces linked to al Qaeda. Much action recently has focused in and around the key northern city of Konna, which insurgents took on Thursday only to retreat the following day after a combined air and ground assault. "There were many deaths on both sides, both rebels and government soldiers," Malian defense ministry spokesman Lt. Col. Diara Kone said Saturday of <b>...</b>	From: CashCapital47 Views: 0 0 ratings
	Time: 04:21	More in News & Politics