The United States has begun transporting troops and equipment to Mali as part of its role supporting French forces trying to oust Islamist militants there, Reuters reports.
Paris has launched a military campaign against Islamist fighters in Mali at the request of the Malian government, amid fears the vast desert country could become a launchpad for international attacks.
“We have started air lifting French army personnel and equipment to Bamako from Istres,” said Benjamin Benson, a spokesman for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).