Islamist militants in Mali kill hundreds, displace thousands in eastern advance

BAMAKO (Reuters) - Islamist militants have advanced further into eastern Mali in recent days, seizing territory, killing hundreds of civilians and forcing thousands to flee, regional Malian officials and analysts said.

The gains by the militants highlight Mali's struggle to fill the vacuum following the departure of French and other European forces, while relations with neighbouring Niger have deteriorated, preventing joint military operations near the Niger and Burkina Faso borders.