Boxes of munitions and weapons have been discovered in northern Mali.

They've been left behind by Islamist fighters-- driven out by French and Malian troops during and intervention to halt the advance by al Qaqeda linked rebels towards the capital Bamako.

A military spokesperson said the supplies represent only a small percentage of what was found, the rest was unsuitable for re-use.

The French, who began operations in Mali in January with 4,000 troops, say they will reduce troop numbers down to 2000 by the summer.