13 Chadian troops, 65 rebels killed in Mali clashes

Thirteen Chadian soldiers and 65 militants were killed in a fierce battle in the mountainous Ifoghas region of northern Mali, Chad's military command announced Friday.

"The Chadian army destroyed five vehicles and killed 65 jihadists," it said in a statement, adding that 13 of its soldiers had been killed and another five wounded.

Earlier this month, around 1,800 Chadian soldiers took control of the northern city of Kidal to secure what had been the rebels' last stronghold.

Chad promised 2,000 soldiers to the the African-led AFISMA intervention force in Mali.

France hopes this force will replace its troops after their lightning offensive that forced the militants from the northern cities into the surrounding desert wilderness and the northern mountains.