Thus it begins…
In a terse announcement, the French government hinted that the United States will be deploying troops to support the French combat mission in the North African country of Mali, the Wall Street Journal reports.
France’s Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is quoted as stating:
The Americans are going to back up our operation in terms of intelligence and in terms of a support both for logistics and provisions.
The Associated Press (AP) is also reporting that the Americans will be providing drones, but didn’t specify if they would be utilized for missile attacks, reconnaissance or both.
The British Participation…
In London, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s office stated on Sunday that they had “agreed to provide logistical military assistance to help transport troops and equipment to Mali.”
An unidentified spokesman for the British government released the following information:
The U.K. has agreed to send two C-17 transport aircraft, which it is expected to provide within the next 24 hours.
The anonymous official also added that the U.K. wouldn’t be deploying combat forces.
Al-Qaeda Establishes Jihadist Nation In Northern Mali…
As previously reported by Examiner.com, France has supported the Malian government in their fight to be completely overrun by the Jihadists, who have already taken control of the entire northern half as well as a sizable section of the central part of the former French colony.
The AP has also reported of Al_Qaeda atrocities in the terrorist-controlled sections they now govern:
Since seizing control of Mali’s upper half, the Islamists have imposed an austere form of Islam, foreign to the people of Mali, who have long practiced a moderate religion.
They have cut off the hands and feet of thieves, in public spectacles that have left outdoor squares awash in blood.
Women live with increasingly less freedom, and are required to fully cover themselves.
They have been flogged and whipped for offenses ranging from wearing eyeshadow or perfume, to not covering their hands.
