The strikes were directed at positions held by militant groups.

"We had a successful aerial operation and the toll was as follows: 50 terrorists killed, five armoured vehicles burnt and 35 motorcycles belonging to the terrorists destroyed. I urge the residents in the area to resume normal activities," Col Ibrahim Samassa, the commander in charge of the Gao zone, told the state broadcaster.

The air strikes come a day after two improvised explosive devices hit a UN peacekeeping convoy killing four Chadian soldiers and injuring two others.

The army, supported by Russian mercenaries and local militia groups, has been battling jihadist groups in central and northern Mali.

Militants from Islamic State's so-called Sahel Province have increased their presence in northern Mali since French forces withdrew in August.

The Malian military has increased operations since last December when Russian mercenaries were deployed to the country.