BAMAKO, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Malian army said on Tuesday that more than 200 terrorists were neutralized during coordinated air and ground operations carried out in Anefis in the country's northern Kidal region.
According to a statement issued by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Monday's operations involved 35 airstrikes. The provisional toll also included five armored vehicles, around 20 pickup trucks and about 100 motorcycles destroyed.
The army said operations by the Malian Armed Forces and their partners were continuing in Anefis, reaffirming its determination to pursue actions against armed terrorist groups until the set objectives are achieved.
The operations came after attacks on July 4 targeting several localities in Mali, including Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare and Kenioroba. The Malian army said at the time that it had repelled the attacks.
Mali has faced a volatile security situation for years, with attacks by armed groups occurring frequently, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country.
In April, the country's Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed in an attack on his residence in the town of Kati, near Bamako, carried out by armed terrorist groups. ■
