(CNN) -- In the latest blow to militants, the French military said Wednesday it has seized the airport in Kidal, the last major town under rebel control in northern Mali. If the forces secure the town, it will be the last major city in their sweep north to flush out Islamist militants in Mali, France's former colony. Read more: Why Mali matters? France sent its troops at Mali's request after the Islamists seized the strategic town of Konna on January 10. The town is back under Malian control. In addition, French-led troops now control Timbuktu and Gao cities, and the swath in between that was an Islamist stronghold for almost a year, the French Defense Ministry said this week.
@highlight
It is the last major town in the sweep to flush out Islamist militants
@highlight
Control of the airport comes days after troops seized Timbuktu and Gao cities
@highlight
"We are winning in Mali," French President Francois Hollande says
@highlight
The French-led offensive started January 10
Life trickled back to normal in @placeholder, the ancient desert city and home to world-famous cultural sites.
The nations are teaming up to prevent the @placeholder from turning the once peaceful democracy into a haven for international terrorists.