`` We are dealing with determined terrorists , who are heavily armed and who are waging significant battles and inflicting major damage . '' A Frenchman living among jihadists in Mali is being arrested , French official says . His arrest follows that of a French - Algerian man last weekend , he told French radio . Defense minister : " Mali has been a haven for al Qaeda - linked terrorists . Nearly 500 French troops are deployed in Mali , alongside 6,300 from an African - led force .
A Frenchman living among jihadists in Mali is being arrested , French official says . His arrest follows that of a French - Algerian man last weekend , he told French radio . Defense minister : " Mali has been a haven for al Qaeda - linked terrorists . Nearly 500 French troops are deployed in Mali , alongside 6,300 from an African - led force .