U.N. officials say an African intervention force now deploying in Mali could double from its envisioned 3,300 troops, as more soldiers are needed to help regain control from Islamist militants holding the country's north.
Ivory Coast U.N. Ambassador Bamba, who represents the Economic Community of West African States at the United Nations, says nearly 1,000 troops already are in Mali. He urged the Security Council Tuesday to provide emergency financial and logistical support for the operation.
French and Malian forces have stopped a southward push by the militants, who seized the vast area of northern Mali following a March coup.
A VOA reporter in GAO says most Islamist militants have fled the city since last week, when French warplanes bombed their positions.