An aerial offensive by the Malian army, which is being supported by allies to fight against terrorists in the northeastern town of Gao, left more than 100 terrorists dead on Sunday, local residents and hospital sources told Xinhua.

"We were all worried and I therefore did not have time to count. But what I am sure about is that there were more than 100 lifeless bodies," a member of the medical team in Gao told Xinhua on phone.

The same source said rebels went into hiding and residents, especially the young people, were "celebrating" in town.

In the past days, there was fierce fighting between rebels and the Malian army in the central town of Konna. On Friday, France confirmed the intervention of its troops to support the Malian army against the advance of rebel groups towards the government- held southern region.