Mali: French Airstrikes Hit Islamist Base

The French air force bombed targets in the northern Malian city of Kidal, the last Islamist militant stronghold in the country, AFP reported Jan. 31. Ground troops assembled outside the gates of Kidal as French aircraft attacked command centers, training camps and supply depots operated by Islamist fighters, according to French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. French military operations have caused the Islamist militia Ansar Dine to fracture and put pressure on other Islamist forces in the country....