Presumed to have been the work of Sunni jihadists linked to al-Qaeda, it was the highest week's death toll since American combat troops left Iraq at the end of August. See article.

这是自八月底美国从伊拉克撤军以来最高周死亡人数。

youdao

He said French planes were circling overhead and French and Malian forces were fighting the jihadists.

NPR: Islamic Extremists Attack Timbuktu In North Mali

Earlier, Mr Le Drian said the jihadists had now scattered, marking a "turning-point" in France's intervention.

BBC: France's Francois Hollande to visit Mali

As international forces increase their pressure on Somali jihadists, some are likely to decamp to Yemen.

ECONOMIST: Yemen��s election