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U.S. likely to establish new drone base in northwest Africa

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:27:00 +0000

The United States is planning to set up a new drone base in Africa's northwest to monitor militant activity in the region, officials today told The New York Times.

The plans have not yet received formal approval from the White House.

The news comes as the French lead a military offensive against militants in Mali, highlighting growing concern over extremist activity on the continent.

Senior defense officials confirmed the plans for the new drone base to Fox News, saying Niger is one possible location for the unit. Niger borders Mali on the east, and Fox claimed the US today signed its first-ever "status of forces agreement" with the small African nation.

Militants in Mali have destroyed a strategic bridge to Niger

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:22:00 +0000

BAMAKO, Mali — Islamists have destroyed a strategic bridge leading to the Malian city of Gao, which is occupied by militants battling French forces attempting to stabilize the region.

GlobalPost Senior Correspondent Tristan McConnell, who is in Bamako, Mali's capital, said the bridge attack comes amid a powerful display of military might by the French. McConnell said convoys of French troops in dozens of trucks, armored cars, 4x4s, armored personnel carriers and light tanks are heading north through the country.

"Local people waved, some brandishing homemade French flags, and cheered as the convoys snaked through towns," he said.

French air strikes, which began on Jan. 11, have halted a southward advance by Islamist militants, forcing them to retreat from the towns of Diabaly, Konna and Douentza. Now French and Malian forces are pushing forward, seeking to retake territory lost to the coalition of jihadist groups over the last 10 months.

Today’s news in pictures

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:23:00 +0000

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