Burkina Faso says French military operations over

Burkina Faso has announced the official ending of the French military operation in the country aimed at defeating an intensifying Islamist insurgency.

The Burkinabe chief of general staff and the head of the French Sabre force attended what was described as a sombre flag lowering ceremony in a military barracks.

In January, Burkina Faso gave France a month to withdraw its 400 special forces.

Their presence has become increasingly unpopular with crowds waving Russian flags following a coup last year.

Burkina Faso denies that Russian mercenaries are already operating on its territory.

It is likely it will turn increasingly to Moscow just as its neighbour Mali has done.

French troops were essentially replaced by Russian mercenaries last year.

Mali says they are doing a spectacular job. Independent evidence suggests otherwise. BBC