Jean Yves le Drian, the Defence Minister, announced that 3000 French troops would join African forces to continue the offensive against militant insurgents in northern Mali and surrounding countries in the Sahel. 5 African nations including Mali will contribute troops to a force whose aim is to combat the jihadists trying to destabilise the wider Sahara/Sahel region. France had expected to withdraw its army from Mali by May this year, but threats to towns in the north has led to them being retained. Le Drian stressed that this action was central to security in France and Europe.
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