French and allied forces, including Malian and Chadian troops, have made significant inroads in recent weeks combating Islamist extremist fighters. Still, fighting continues in mountainous areas in the northeastern part of the West African nation, and Le Drian said that security in the key northern city of Gao remains a concern as well.
MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/08/world/africa/mali-unrest/index.html
See also...
Many Malians still uprooted
http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/01/world/africa/u-n--mali-displaced/index.html
