Updated

A Mauritanian website says a terrorist group active in West Africa has threatened to target the interests of "France and her allies" in retaliation for France's military intervention in Mali last year.

The Nouakchott Information Agency, a site that is frequently used by local jihadists to communicate with the outside world, said Saturday's message from the Maraboutines group included a rundown of attacks by its members last year.

The Maraboutines group was formed in August when terror leader Moktar Belmoktar and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa officially joined forces. He is best known for masterminding a January 2013 attack on a natural gas plant in Algeria that killed dozens of foreigners.

France intervened in January 2013 after northern Mali fell under the control of Islamic extremists.