Unilateral French Action In Mali

Linky Mali roundup. Not a lot about it in the US media. The US has not committed any ground troops to the action. But we are providing support.

More than 100 Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England deployed Jan. 26 to a location in Western Europe in support of international military operations in Mali.

The deployment makes highly valued air-to-air refueling assets available to U.S. Africa Command.

CNN.

The U.S. support is at the request of the French, who intervened in Mali 11 days ago after a plea for help from its government.

The French are involved in the fight because Mali once was under the country's control, and because Islamists have been threatening to turn the once-peaceful democracy into a haven for international terrorists.

Italy's lower house of parliament approved sending 15 to 24 military instructors who will work alongside the European Union in training Malian forces. It also agreed to provide logistical support to include at least two cargo planes. The time frame for Italy to provide the assistance is not yet decided.

Leaders from several other countries have already offered troops or logistical support. Canada and Britain are deploying military transport aircraft, while Nigeria is set to deploy soldiers as part of the U.N.-mandated African force to fight the insurgents.

"Unilateral."

posted by Laura. at 10:10 AM

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