Thousands of civilians take to the streets

SEVARE, Mali (AP) — France’s foreign minister said Wednesday that French forces would depart Mali “quickly” following their success in taking control of the airport in Kidal, a key position in the last remaining urban stronghold of Islamist extremists in northern Mali. French and Malian troops have recaptured two of the other provincial capitals, Timbuktu and Gao, in recent days. Once France, with its thousands of troops, fighter planes and helicopters, leaves, Mali’s weak army and soldiers from neighboring countries Islamists might be hard-pressed to retain control of northern Mali’s cities if the Islamists attempt a comeback from their desert hideouts.