Air strikes by Malian troops around Tessalit area in northern Kidal region, Mali have killed 50 militants.
The strikes pounded strongholds of militant insurgents.
“We had a successful aerial operation and the toll was as follows: 50 terrorists killed, five armoured vehicles burnt and 35 motorcycles belonging to the terrorists destroyed. I urge the residents in the area to resume normal activities,” Col Ibrahim Samassa, the commander in charge of the Gao zone reported.
The air strikes come a day after two improvised explosive devices hit a UN peacekeeping convoy killing four Chadian soldiers and injuring two others.
Russian mercenaries and local militia groups and the military continue to battle militant groups in central and northern Mali.
Militants have increased their presence in northern Mali since French forces withdrew in August.
The Malian military has increased operations since last December when Russian mercenaries were deployed to the country.