After the capture of Timbuktu airport France continued to strengthen its military power in Mali

After the capture of the airport of Timbuktu and the city Gao by French armed forces Sunday and Monday, January 28, 2013, the two strategic locations are now strengthened by units of the Malian army. French Special Forces continue to secure the area around the Timbuktu airport to restore air traffic and for the support of ground forces.

French troops are consolidating their position in the city of Timbuktu after seizing it from Islamist extremists. French Col. Thierry Burkhard, chief military spokesman in Paris, said that there had been no combat with the Islamists but that the French and Malian forces did not yet control the town.

French military commanders say soldiers are patrolling the streets of Timbuktu looking to flush out any remaining militants. Once Timbuktu is secured, troops are expected to focus on the last rebel stronghold, Kidal.

France said on Tuesday it had now deployed 3,500 troops and 2,900 African soldiers were on the ground in Mali and Niger, 1,400 Chadian, 500 Nigerien, 350 Togolese, 200 Nigerian, 150 Burkinabe, 100 Benin and 100 Senegalese.