France will send more soldiers in Mali

The President of France, Francois Hollande, said during a visit to United Arab Emirates that the number of troops involved into the Mali operation will increase in order to wrest control from Islamist militants and make way as soon as possible for African forces.

The number of French personnel that are part of this operation is around 1700, according to the Defense Ministry.

40 armored vehicles arrived last night in Bamako (the capital) from Ivory Coast.

The United States, along with a number of countries announced that they will provide logistical support or even send troops if it’s necessary.

Nigeria, Togo, Senegal, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin have pledged to send soldiers as soon as possible, according to the French Foreign Minister.

UK will also help France to deploy troops, but will not get involved in combat.