Mali army claims 'total control' of Konna
2013-01-18 22:48
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The Mali-unrest appears to be increasing due to the Algerian hostage and the extra France-supporting troops in Mali.
Bamako - The Malian army has retaken the central town of
Konna which fell to Islamist rebels advancing from the north and sparked French
military intervention, the military and a regional security source said on Friday.
"We have wrested total control of Konna after
inflicting heavy losses on the enemy," an army statement said.
A regional security source and local residents confirmed the
claim.
Islamic rebel groups who have controlled northern Mali since
April pushed south into government-held territory and seized Konna, about 700km
by road from the capital Bamako, on 10 January.
That prompted former colonial ruler France to intervene to
stop the rebel advance. Initially the French role was limited to air power, but
it has since launched ground offensives.
While the Malian army earlier reported it had regained
control of Konna, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the zone was
still in the Islamists' hands.
The area is not accessible to independent observers.
The UN special envoy for the Sahel, Romano Prodi, said the
French air and ground intervention in Mali was the only way to stop Islamists
creating "a terrorist safe haven in the heart of Africa".
On Thursday, more French troops poured into Mali, boosting
their number to 1 400. At full strength the force will reach 2 500 soldiers.
