French President Francois Hollande has called the latest offensive by French troops in Mali the “final phase.”

The French troops joined with Chadian troops in the Ifoghas mountains where they say the members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb are believed to be hiding and attempting to regroup. At least 65 terrorists have been killed in the fighting along with 13 Chad troops.

Chad’s government has pledged 2,000 troops to the effort in Mali.

“Our Chadian friends launched an attack yesterday which was very harsh with significant loss of life,” Hollande said. “I want to praise what the Chadians are doing.”

Mali still has not agreed to U.N. Peacekeepers in their country, however the African-led group approved by the U.N., the “International Support Mission to Mali,” is now in place and more African troops are arriving daily.