French clash with Islamists in north Mali: minister

Paris, Feb 6 (AFP) French and Malian troops clashed with Islamist militants near the main northern Mali town of Gao, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said today, speaking of "real war." "There were clashes yesterday around Gao," Le Drian said on Europe 1 radio, adding that the current force of 4,000 French troops in Mali would be the maximum deployed. (AFP) HAZ 02061412 NNNN