PRETORIA, May 4. /TASS/. Government forces of Mali killed 17 militants during an operation in the western part of the country, the General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces reported.

The offensive operation took place near the locality of Sebabougou after reconnaissance discovered a unit of one of the radical groups there, the General Staff stated.

The General Staff reported that the militants tried to hide in the populated area, but strikes hit them, neutralizing 17 militants and capturing 15 vehicles.

Government forces are currently conducting a systematic search and elimination of militants across the entire national territory, the General Staff said.