But the area was then taken over by Islamist fighters linked to al-Qaeda, until they were removed in a French-led military operation in 2013.
Hasayeeshee deegaankaasi ayaa markii dambe waxaa la wareegay dagaalyahanno gacansaar la leh urur weynaha Al-Qaacidah, ilaa markii dambe halkaasi looga saaray howgal uu horkacayay Faransiiska oo aaggaasi laga fuliyay 2013.