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French troops have captured a regional Islamic State (IS) leader in Mali, the DPA reported.

According to a statement released today by the French Ministry of Defense, the jihadist - Umeya Ould Albakayye - was captured by soldiers of the anti-terrorist forces "Barhan" near the border of Mali with Nigeria.

The operation, which took place on Sunday night, has been in preparation for several weeks.

France accuses Albacaye of attacking civilians and acting against Barkhan forces to drive them out of Mali.

Due to high political tensions, France and its international partners announced an end to the anti-terrorist operation in February and began a coordinated withdrawal of some 4,300 troops.

The military junta in Mali has ordered Danish special forces to leave the country

The UN peacekeeping force (MINUSMA) and the European Union (EUTM) are still operating in Mali, the DPA reminded, quoted by BTA.