bamako french military strike arm militants northern mali last month inadvertently kill malian soldier hold hostage islamist group west african nation defence ministry say monday french army previously say 15 members islamist militant group ansar dine take action oct. 23 operation abeibara region involve mirage jet attack helicopters grind force week follow raid however malian media report 11 soldier also kill french malian military government officials initially decline comment deaths statement date oct. 31 distribute monday defence ministry say malian soldier detain terrorists die attack without give death toll immediately clear distribution statement draft follow meet defense minister france ambassador mali french military official appear delay paris maintain military intelligence identify site militant camp french army spokesman colonel patrik steiger decline comment malian statement work way malian authorities determine identities individuals kill mali sovereign country communicate subject french force say france intervene 2013 islamist militants seize northern mali year early around 4,000 troop remain west africa sahel region part operation barkhane cross-border anti-terrorism operation french raid last month kill hostage malian soldier