paris malian soldier kill french military strike northern mali last month deserters join islamist militant group french source close matter say tuesday contradict comment malian defense ministry say monday soldier kill oct. 23 strike raid camp ansar dine militant group hostages french source say raid carry basis detail intelligence camp include malians join islamist rank hit amongst others prisoners source tell reuters decline say many kill capture raid source accuse malian authorities spread propaganda run-up presidential election schedule november 2018. french defense ministry source add real trust problem malians malian officials immediately available comment french army say late statement head barkhane operation general bruno guibert speak malian counterpart tuesday update information say show stricken camp unmistakably use train camp terrorists research point show presence site malian soldier whether capture hire terrorist group statement say add french army ready help mali want send site mission gather information french army previously say 15 members ansar dine loosely affiliate militant group operate northern mali take action raid malian government struggle contain tuareg islamist violence northern mali spread south attempt place officials northern towns sometimes fail raise question government ability maintain stability ahead election islamist militants seize northern mali 2012 french force intervene year late around 4,000 troop remain west africa sahel region part operation barkhane cross-border anti-terrorism operation france also forefront organize regional force part efforts find long-term strategy exit region malian soldier kill french strike join islamists source