Algeria sent a significant military aid to Mali

Algeria has begun to send by plane to Mali a significant military assistance for the enhanced cooperation between the armies of the two neighbouring countries, according to sources in Bamako.

•     “This aid is rich and varied. There is for example fuel for our troops, sleeping bags, for the ‘special operations’, and even weapons, told the press a source close to the staff of the Malian army, not wishing to engage more details.
  
      According to the same source, some of the equipment has already arrived.
  
      “We expect a total of five rotations of the Algerian aircraft, carrying this important Algerian military aid, told the press a military airport.
  
      During his last visit to Algiers, the Malian Minister of Defense had discussed with the Head of State of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, on strengthening military cooperation between the two countries which have a common border.
  
      Algeria plays a mediating role in the north of Mali, between the Malian government and Touareg rebel groups.
  
      In recent months, the calm came back in the northern part of Mali, the army that have diverted the operational groups of Touareg rebels, whose leader, Ibrahim Ag Bahang, found refuge in Libya.
  
      Furthermore, in northern Mali, four terrorists were arrested in late April by the army. Among them, was an Algerian, close to the leaders of Al Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (Aqmi) holding hostage two European tourists.
      
  Ennaharonline / AFP