The Malian army said on Friday it has “fully controlled” the central of Konna which fell to al-Qaeda-linked groups earlier.

The Malian army said on Friday it has “fully controlled” the central of Konna which fell to al-Qaeda-linked groups earlier.

"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.

Militants groups who have controlled northern Mali since April pushed south into government-held territory and seized Konna, about 700 kilometers (400 miles) by road from the capital Bamako, on January 10.

Following the move by gunmen, former colonial ruler France intervened, launching military campaign aimed at “helping the Malian army to retake the areas seized by the militants.”

While the Malian army earlier reported it had regained control of Konna, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the zone was still in the militants’ hands.

On Thursday, more French troops poured into Mali, boosting their number to 1,400. At full strength the force will reach 2,500 soldiers.