Great Satan US steps up assistance to French invades Muslim Mali

The US Department of Defense has announced Washington’s plans to expand its role in the French-led military operations in Mali.

In a telephone conversation, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta informed French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian, that “US Africa Command will support the French military by conducting aerial refueling missions as operations in Mali continue,” Pentagon announced in a Saturday statement.

“Secretary Panetta and Minister Le Drian resolved to remain in close contact as aggressive operations against terrorist networks in Mali are ongoing,” the statement added.

The US has already been providing assistance to France by transporting French troops and equipment from African nations, including Chad and Togo, to Mali.

On January 11, France launched a war in Mali under the pretext of halting the advance of fighters who control the north of the West African country.

The United States, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark have voiced support for the move, which, so far, has also taken its toll on the civilian lives.

The US and Britain, however, have only pledged nonlethal support for the French-led military operations in Mali, including transport support.

Chaos broke out in the West African country after Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure was toppled in a military coup on March 22, 2012. The coup leaders said they mounted the coup in response to the government’s inability to contain the Tuareg rebellion in the north of the country, which had been going on for two months.

However, in the wake of the coup d’état, the Tuareg rebels took control of the entire northern desert region, but the Ansar Dine extremists then pushed them aside and took control of the region, which is larger than France or Texas.