France is to scale down counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region of West Africa after eight years.<br />'' <br />''This was informed by French President Emmanuel Macron.<br />'' <br />''He announced, the existing 5,100-strong task force will be incorporated into a broader international mission.<br />'' <br />''French forces have been operating in Mali, Chad, Mauritania, Niger, and Burkina Faso to fight militants.<br />'' <br />''Last week, France paused operations in Mali following a military coup.<br />'' <br />''Militants linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group have strengthened their grip on the region, which has become a front line in the war against Islamist extremism.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">It is also a major transit route for illegal drugs, weapons and jihadists.</span><br />