Sevare, Mali (CNN) -- The Malian military gained control Monday of the central Mali town of Diabaly, a key advance in the battle against Islamist militants in the north. The country's forces retook the town without ground assistance from the French troops in the country, a military spokesman said Sunday. The French military confirmed that it provided only air support. The French are involved in the fight because Mali once was under the country's control and because Islamists have been threatening to turn the democracy into a haven for international terrorists. Ethnic Tuaregs who had returned to Mali well-armed from fighting for late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi staged a military coup last year against the Malian government. Islamic extremists capitalized on the chaos, carved out a large haven in Mali's north and imposed a strict interpretation of Sharia law. The Islamists banned music, smoking, drinking and watching sports on television. They also destroyed historic tombs and shrines.
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A humanitarian group says many injured fear going to hospitals
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Paris-Match: Terrorist leader spells out demands and talks about the Algeria attack
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France may send more troops to prevent Islamist terrorists from controlling Mali
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The international community fears Mali could become a hub for terrorists
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