(Dawn Megli / Neon Tommy)

Islamist fighters in Mali overtook towns in a Monday offensive, despite facing French airstrikes, according to AFP.

The Islamist fighters, reportedly part of an offshoot of Al-Qaeda, vowed to attack France for its antagonism.  "France has attacked Islam," said the group's leader.  "We will strike at the heart of France.

SEE ALSO: France Launches Third Day Of Airstrikes In Mali

Another leader claimed on European radio that France had "opened the doors of hell" and now face antagonism "worse than Iraq, Afghanistan or Somalia."

Read the whole story here.

Read more of Neon Tommy's coverage of Mali here.

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