Islamist terror groups in Mali have seized the town of Diabaly in government-controlled area amid presence of French soldiers.

French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the fighters sized the town which is approximately, 400km from the capital, Bamako on Monday.

Mr. Le Drian however added that there is no cause for alarm since they are in control of the situation but admitted that French forces were facing a difficult situation against well-armed rebels in western areas.

“They took Diabaly after fierce fighting and resistance from the Malian army that was not able to hold them off at that moment, about five rebel vehicles entered the town,” he said on BFM Television.

Residents in the town are reportedly to have been fleeing from the town as they suspect a swift counter attack from the French troops which is like going to be air strikes.

France, with UN support, began its military intervention last Friday in an attempt to stop Islamist rebels who took control of northern Mali last year and were advancing towards Bamako.

The Islamists began a counter-attack on Diabaly, home to a key Mali army base, on Sunday night according to residents; hours after French warplanes had targeted the town.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News

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