Mali rebel clashes
UN finds mass graves in north Mali
Fighting between Tuareg groups has intensified in recent weeks in the north, threatening to derail a 2015 peace agreement.
The department says it cautions South Africans travelling to conflict regions around the world to inform government and family before leaving.
The Tiger helicopter crashed around midday about 70 km north of Gao, burning out completely with no survivors.
Germany, France & Italy have said they want to develop particularly closer relationships with Niger & Mali.
Officials said around 10 people from CMA died in the clashes, which took place on Friday and Saturday.
Defense ministry spokesperson Diarran Kone said five soldiers had disappeared, one other was injured.
At least 103 peaeckeepers have died since the start of the mission in April 2013.
The increase will bring the force’s maximum size to 13,289 military personnel and 1,920 police.
The nationalities of the soldiers were not released & so far no group had taken responsibility for the attack.
Liberia has sent about 50 troops to Mali to join UN peacekeeping troops.
The deal could pave the way for Malian government troops to return to the rebel-held town of Kidal.
Troops prevented an attack by rebels who slipped past army checkpoints to enter the town of Gao.
France's allies want armed forces involved in UN peace keeping mission in Mali.
French sources have confirmed one soldier and 20 rebels died during clashes in Mali.
Islamist insurgents launched a surprise raid in the heart of the Malian town of Gao on Sunday.
French forces have taken control of a strategic town north of Mali.
French troops in Mali are pursuing rebels in the remote northeast in a bid to end their control.
French Foreign Minister says it will begin to pull out troops from Mali in March.
Francois Hollande has pledged France will finish the job of restoring government control in Mali.