France 's defense minister describes seeing sizable arms caches in northern Mali . They also destroyed historic tombs and shrines . The Islamist fighters ' cache were `` destined to break the back of French troops and their allies, but also to help them fight off a possible attack by militants from neighboring Nigeria or Chad who have been fighting for control of the north since last year. " France accomplished much of its mission , but `` hardest '' part remains , he says .
France 's defense minister describes seeing sizable arms caches in northern Mali . The Islamist fighters ' cache were `` destined to break the back of French troops and their allies, but also to help them fight off a possible attack by militants from neighboring Nigeria or Chad who have been fighting for control of the north since last year. " France accomplished much of its mission , but `` hardest '' part remains , he says .