France takes control of key airport in Mali

French forces have taken control of the airport in Kidal, seizing a key position in one of three provincial capitals the Islamist militants took over last year, officials said Wednesday. One Malian official said French troops even moved into the city, which was the last remaining urban stronghold of the Islamists in Mali.

French and Malian troops have recaptured two of the other provincial capitals, Timbuktu and Gao, in recent days, and been welcomed by overjoyed crowds. However, already concerns are emerging about whether the Islamists will try to return once France hands over the military operation to Mali and soldiers from neighboring countries.

Haminy Maiga, the interim president of the Kidal regional assembly, said French forces met no resistance when they arrived late Tuesday.

"The French arrived at 9.30 pm aboard four planes, which landed one after another. Afterwards they took the airport and then entered the town, and there was no combat,'' said Maiga, who had been in touch with people in the town by satellite phone as all the normal phone networks were down.

"The French are patrolling the town and two helicopters are patrolling overhead,'' he added.

In Paris, French army Col Thierry Burkhard confirmed that the airport was taken overnight and described the operation in Kidal itself as "ongoing.''

On Tuesday, a secular Tuareg rebel group had asserted that they were in control of Kidal and other small towns. Maiga said those fighters had left Kidal and were at the entry posts on the roads from Gao and Tessalit.

France, the former colonial ruler, began sending in troops, helicopters and warplanes on January 11 to turn the tide after the armed Islamists began encroaching on the south, toward the capital. French and Malian troops seized Gao during the weekend, welcomed by joyous crowds. They took Timbuktu on Monday. The Islamists gave up both cities and retreated into the surrounding desert.

ALSO READ

Nawaz Sharif calls for warmer ties with India

At least 18 killed in twin blasts targeting election campaigns

Over 37 killed in Bangla violence

Agent in America raises funds for Imran's party, sends over $7 lakh