PARIS: US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says the US will not reduce its support for the French-led military operations against insurgents in Mali.
Speaking alongside Mattis at a press conference Tuesday in Paris, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said the Pentagon chief reassured her that any changes in US operations or forces in Africa would not impact the support provided to France.
The Pentagon has been reevaluating its troop presence and operations in Africa after an ambush in Niger last year that killed four US soldiers and four of Niger counterparts. French forces were part of the rescue force that went to the aid of US forces.
French leaders have previously suggested they’d like to see continued or additional American support in Africa, where militant groups continue to wage attacks.
