Investigating and striking off ghost workers are among the requirements of Mali's program with the IMF.

  Islamist militants have expanded their attacks in recent months into other parts of Mali and beyond

  A Malian commander and four attackers were killed in the attack

  The patrols and intelligence sharing mark an intent by the two countries to prevent the spread of militancy

Top photos from the month of November.

 

  Three Islamist militant groups have claimed the strike

  13 foreigners were killed in the attack, including six Russians, three Chinese, two Belgians, an American and a Senegalese

 

 

  "Al Mourabitoun is a mixture of fundamentalists and bandits, who traffic weapons and drugs to finance themselves."

 

  "Tonight the death toll is heavy."