France confirmed Saturday that one of the key leaders of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, had been killed in fighting with French-led forces in northern Mali. Considered one of the most radical leaders in al Qaeda's north African branch, the 46-year-old is credited with having significantly expanded the terrorist group's field of operation to Tunisia and Niger, and for kidnapping activities across the region.
French President Francois Hollande "confirms Abdelhamid Abou Zeid's death with certainty during fighting led by the French army in the Ifoghas mountains in northern Mali in late February", the Elysee palace said in a statement. "The elimination of one of the main leaders of AQIM marks an important stage in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel."