[ad_1]
Britain will extend its participation in the French security mission to Mali and neighboring countries for at least six months, until June 2020, the defense ministry said Tuesday.
Britain supports the French forces with three Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and one hundred security guards since July 2018.
Since French troops helped force jihadists in 2013, parts of northern Mali remain out of control of the security forces and violence has spread to other parts of the country.
"It is right that we extend our commitment to the counterterrorism operation in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger," Secretary of Defense Penny Mordaunt said in a statement.
"By providing essential support to our French partners, our armed forces help to strengthen stability and prevent terrorists from preparing for attacks."
About 20 European countries have a military presence in the West African region.
Some are involved in a United Nations peacekeeping force known as MINUSMA.
France has deployed 4,500 troops to Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad as part of a mission called Barkhane, to help local forces to push back the jihadists.
Source link
