French troops 'kill top al-Qaeda operative in Mali'

French forces have killed Bah ag Moussa, a senior official of al-Qaeda’s North Africa wing, Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly has said.

He was one of the main assistants of Iyad Ag Ghaly - the leader of one of Mali's Islamist groups - Ms Parly said in a statement.

"I congratulate our soldiers for this success which deprives Iyad Ag Ghaly of one of his main assistants. Their commitment, their courage and their selflessness make us strong and proud," she said.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Reuters