France's military aim in Mali is its "total reconquest", French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said, according to BBC News.

"We will not leave any pockets" of resistance, he told French television.

France has sent in 2,000 troops to help Malian forces fight Islamist militants who now control the northern half of the country.

Le Drian said the former Islamist stronghold of Diabaly had not yet been retaken, even though the militants withdrew from the town two days ago.

However, he added that "everything points to a favourable evolution of the situation in Diabaly in the coming hours".

Le Drian also said during his interview that seven French citizens who have been taken hostage in Niger and Mali in recent years "are alive", and there have been "contacts with hostage-takers".

There had been concerns for their fate following France's decision to send troops into Mali earlier this month.