French troops have retaken Gao, Timbuktu and now Kidal, the last major stronghold of Islamist militants in northern Mali.
Developments in Mali

5
Malian gendarmes show weapons used by Islamist rebels at a military camp in the center of Timbuktu February 1, 2013.

6
During an official visit organized by the French military, residents and journalists gather around a French Sagay tank positioned overlooking the bridge crossing the river Niger at the entrance of Gao, Mali, January 31, 2013.

7
During an official visit organized by the French military, French troops are positioned overlooking the bridge crossing the river Niger at the entrance of Gao, Mali, January 31, 2013.

8
Three Malian girls walk in the streets of Gao, Mali, January 31, 2013.