Mali's military, supported by Russian mercenaries, has launched airstrikes against a rebel coalition of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists. This action follows a recent rebel offensive that saw them capture key towns.

<p>Army supported by Russian mercenaries launches airstrikes after offensive by coalition of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists</p><p>Mali’s armed forces, supported by Russian mercenaries, have launched airstrikes targeting a rebel alliance of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists as the ruling junta struggles to maintain its hold on power in the unstable west African country.</p><p>Earlier this week warplanes targeted the key northern town of Kidal, <a href="https://www.theguardian...