France said Islamist forces are “in disarray” as some had returned home and others had made a “tactical withdrawal” to a mountainous 96,000-square mile area east of Kidal. President Traore ruled out talks with Islamist groups but is willing to negotiate with the Tuareg MNLA if it gives up territorial demands and agrees to reintegrate into Mali. The UK plans to send up to 40 trainers for a possible 15-month deployment with the EU training force in Mali and another 200 to help train a West African force outside Mali.
