French forces advance towards Islamist-held north Mali

French forces are advancing towards Mali’s Islamist-held north after taking up positions in the towns of Niono and Sevare, a spokesman for the French military operation codenamed Serval said Sunday.

“The deployment towards the north of the forces of Operation Serval, which began 24 hours ago, is on course with troops inside the towns of Niono and Sevare,” Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Dosseur told reporters.