Mali says 'several terrorists' killed in major offensive

Mali is conducting a giant operation against terrorists in the country's troubled center using both ground troops and air strikes, leading to the death of "several terrorists", Namibia Press Agency quoted the government as saying.

The move follows two recent terrorist attacks in which about 100 Malian soldiers were killed.

The offensive coincides with a similar move by French forces on the border regions of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

"The defense and security forces of Mali have been engaged in recent days in a large scale offensive against terrorist bases in certain localities in the center of the country," a statement said.