French troops in Mali have been deployed to frontline areas in a bid to stop what they call “ the advance of the Islamist insurgency”. Meanwhile in the city of Gao, rebels reportedly cut telecommunications links to prevent residents from aiding the intervention force. President of France ‘Franswa Oland' said in an official statement that france is seeking for Gulf's support in the armored operation in Mali. He adds :”France is trying to prop up the stability and peace in Mali”. Thousands of French and Malian troops in armored vehicles are headed to the north of the capital, towards Diabaly, a strategic city seized by the rebels the day before, witnesses said. French airstrikes forced the country's Islamist insurgency to seek shelter in deserted territories, but they are still controlling vast northern areas of the country. The engagement of ground troops comes after five days of heavy bombardment of rebel-controlled areas by the French Air Force and the announcement that the French government was increasing the number of troops on the ground from 800 to 2,500.
