French defence minister, Florence Parly has announced that French forces have killed Bah ag Moussa, a senior official of al-Qaeda’s North Africa wing.
Bah ag Moussa was killed during an operation in northeastern Mali.
Also known as Bamoussa Diarra, the slain operative is a former Malian army colonel considered responsible for several attacks against Malian and international forces.
He was one of the main assistants of Iyad Ag Ghaly – the leader of one of Mali’s Islamist groups – Ms. Parly said in a statement.
“I congratulate our soldiers for this success which deprives Iyad Ag Ghaly of one of his main assistants.
Their commitment, their courage and their selflessness make us strong and proud,” she added.