Daily Mail: African Al-Qaeda chief Abdelmalek Droukdel is killed by French in Mali following a seven-year manhunt
* France says Abdelmalek Droukdel and members of inner circle have been killed
* Defence Minister Florence Parly said he was killed in a military operation in Mali
* The operation involved 'helicopters and ground troops' in north-west Mali
* Thousands of French troops have been sent to Mali since 2013 to tackle jihadists
The leader of terrorist group Al-Qaeda's north Africa affiliate has been killed in a French military operation following a seven-year hunt, the country's defence minister announced last night
Florence Parly has announced that Abdelmalek Droukdel and members of his inner circle were killed on Wednesday during the operation in the African country of Mali, where thousands of French troops have been deployed to tackle jihadist groups in the area.
The operation to kill Droukdel reportedly involved helicopters and ground troops, who 'neutralised' a small group of men before formally identifying the leader's body, and took place near the north-western Mali town of Tessalitm.
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More News On Al Qaeda Leader Abdelmalek Droukdel In Islamic Maghreb Killed By French Military
French forces kill al Qaeda's North Africa chief in Mali, defence minister says -- France 24
France says its army killed al Qaeda North Africa chief Droukdel -- Reuters
French forces kill al-Qaida’s North African commander -- Military Times/AP
Al-Qaeda chief in north Africa Abdelmalek Droukdel killed - France -- BBC
France kills al-Qaida head of North Africa -- DW
US, France Confirm Death of Key al-Qaida Emir in Africa -- VOA
Al Qaeda leader in Islamic Maghreb killed by French military -- FOX News
Al-Qaeda North Africa chief killed: What next for the region? -- France 24
