France has launched fresh airstrikes on northern Mali as they try to secure the final rebel stronghold of Kidal.
The French foreign ministry said the warplanes are are targeting fuel depots and bases of Islamist extremists.
French President Francois Hollande, who received a warm welcome on Saturday as he visited the northern city of Timbuktu, has pledged to help rebuild Mali after the rebels are beaten.
Foreign minister Laurent Fabius said on French radio today that the strikes hit the Kidal region overnight, near the border with Algeria.
It is part of a broader effort to cut off supplies to radical fighters who had taken over much of the African country in a three-week offensive.
Fabius said on France-Inter radio, “They cannot stay there a long time unless they have new supplies.”
The French intervened in Mali on January 11 to stem the advance of the al-Qaida-linked fighters.
But there are fears the fighters could re-group in the mountains near Kidal.
Mr Fabius also said that France wants African forces to assume security responsibility for the historic city of Timbuktu “very fast” - perhaps as soon as tomorrow.
But concerns are raised over whether Mali’s army and soldiers from neighbouring countries will be able retain control of northern Mali’s cities if the Islamic extremists attempt a comeback from their desert hideouts.
A total of 3,500 French troops are currently in Mali.
