The Islamist extremists toppled the tribe and seized control of two-thirds of northern Mali, an area the size of France.
MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/12/world/africa/mali-q-a/index.html?hpt=iaf_t3
See also...
'Many deaths' as Malians, joined by French, try to beat back Islamist militants
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/12/world/africa/mali-france/index.html
France determined to 'eradicate' terrorism in Mali, official says
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/13/world/africa/mali-military-offensive/index.html
