The UN has announced the initial success of the operations carried out by the African force composed of 855 people from several African countries as well as a number of French troops, to stop the “extremists” from advancing into Mali’s capital Bamako. “There is general agreement amongst key stakeholders in Bamako that the envisaged AFISMA strength of 3,300 personnel needs to be increased in order for it to engage effectively in offensive operations and enhance force protection,” UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman said briefing the Security Council on Mali. “The capabilities of the armed groups occupying northern Mali have proven to be strong, as they are better equipped and trained than initially anticipated,” he added. For his part, French UN Ambassador Gerard Araud said: “This operation has been a success so far. Its primary goal has been met – the terrorist offensive against the south has now been stopped.