Islamist militants were swept from Gao last month, but Jean-Yves Le Drian said clashes were continuing in the area.

BBC: Mali: France seeks UN peacekeeping role

Still, fighting continues in mountainous areas in the northeastern part of the West African nation, and Le Drian said that security in the key northern city of Gao remains a concern as well.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Mr Le Drian said French troops were also encountering pockets of resistance around the main northern city of Gao, adding that they were "practically in face-to-face combat" with the militants.

BBC: Mali conflict: French troops 'dismantle al-Qaeda base'