DAKAR, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The Malian army said on Saturday that around 40 militants, including a key leader, had been killed during a week-long operation in the western Kayes region.
According to a statement by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the operation, code-named Dougoukolo, was conducted from March 14 to 21, mainly in the areas of Yelimane and Segala, following earlier operations in Ambidedi and Diboli.
During the operation, ground forces destroyed several militant hideouts, including two major bases in Medina-Kayes, the statement said.
The army also freed 12 hostages previously abducted by armed groups and seized a large cache of weapons, ammunition and other equipment, including kamikaze drones, communication radios and more than 3,000 liters of fuel.
Three vehicles, including a bus belonging to a local transport company, were also recovered and will be returned to their owners, it added.
The rescued hostages are undergoing medical checks before rejoining their families.
The army said it would continue operations to combat armed groups across the country. ■
