UK extends commitment to fighting extremism in Mali
The UK MoD has extended its commitment to supporting the fight against extremism and terrorism in the Sahel region according to a 12 June statement.
Three RAF CH-47D Chinook helicopters and 100 personnel will remain in Mali to support French counterterrorism operations until additional troops arrive later this year.
An additional 250 British personnel will be deployed to Gao to support the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the West African country. This will include troops from the Light Dragoons and the Royal Anglican Regiment who will provide long range reconnaissance capabilities whilst offering a greater awareness of possible threats to both military and civilians.
James Heappey, Minister for the Armed Forces, said: ‘Combating extremism in the Sahel is vital for the security of the wider region and the UK will play it’s part tackling the declining security situation.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
