Mali

The Malian Army says it is in pursuit of al-Qaeda militants in the north of the country following a series of battles over the weekend in which both government troops and militants are reported to have been killed.

The operations are taking place in the north east of the country - the desert region that borders Algeria.

Mali's Army has been on the offensive against al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb since the group carried out its threat to execute a British hostage at the end of May.

From Bamako, Focus on Africa's Martin Vogel reports.