paris malian soldier kill french military strike northern mali october hostages islamist militants deserters turn jihadists french authorities say mali president say newspaper interview publish sunday malian french officials give contradict account oct. 23 strike camp ansar dine militant group french army say take 15 islamists action france defense minister say service factual information show fighters jihadists include ex-malian soldier enrol islamists contradict comment malian defense ministry interview jeune afrique magazine malian president ibrahim boubakar keita insist case terrorists hostages ambiguity french friends us say regrettable unfortunately happen type operations admit look reason exist 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 elections islamist militants seize northern mali 2012 french force intervene year late around 4,000 french troop remain west africa sahel region part operation barkhane france also forefront organize regional force part efforts find long-term strategy exit region mali 's president contradict french account military strike