Malian army says airstrikes target terrorist groups in Gao region

BAMAKO, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces announced on Sunday that Malian military aircraft carried out targeted airstrikes against armed terrorist groups in several localities in the Gao region on May 9.

According to a statement released by the army, the operations were conducted as part of ongoing offensive reconnaissance missions across the national territory.

The first strike targeted a convoy of armed terrorist groups moving toward the village of Tarkint, about 40 kilometers east of the locality, the statement said.

The second strike, conducted about 84 kilometers east of the city of Bourem, completely destroyed a major hideout used by armed terrorist groups, it added.

The Chief of the General Staff praised the Malian Armed Forces for their determination and unwavering commitment to national defense.

"The armed terrorist groups will be pursued to their last strongholds throughout the national territory," the statement said.