Algerian Air Forces to back up Malian Army against Al-Qaeda

Large scale operation northern Mali

Algerian Air Forces to back up Malian Army against Al-Qaeda

El Khabar, 17 december 2008

The Malian Army has launched a large scale operation targeting Al-Qaeda in North Africa, and other criminal groups under its command, through the northern regions of Mali. In a similar step, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, have stepped up security measures across their borders, in the framework of an agreement reached between them. The Algerian Army Forces specialized in air supply, will take part in this operation. They are expected to supply Malian Forces with food and ammunitions. An eye-witness visiting Kidal northern Mali, told El Khabar that the Malian Army has mobilized huge forces across the mounts of Afouhares, and Oud Zouak, northern Mali. According to a well-informed source, movements of some criminal networks southern Algeria, has been a result of security measures taken by Malian authorities across these regions not subject to any Governmental rule. Still, the Malian Army has mobilized its forces since last October, in the triangle between Algeria, Mali and Niger, renowned as one of the difficult mountains extended till the region of the Hoggar, southern Algeria. This large and hard to reach region allows terrorists and smuggling groups moving freely. Moreover, Algerian Army Air Forces, few weeks ago, have supplied its Malian counterparts based in Fouhares and Zouak regions, in its war against Al-Qaeda.

17-12-2008 By M.B/Translation Section