What Is The U.S. Role In The Mali Conflict

 

US Sharing Intel On Mali With France, Eyes More Support -- Reuters 

* U.S. has 'commitment' to keep al Qaeda on run
* Pentagon chief to discuss Azores drawdown decision
* Likely Panetta's last trip abroad as defense secretary

LISBON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The United States is sharing information with French forces battling al Qaeda-affiliated militants in Mali and is considering providing logistics, surveillance and airlift capability as well, U.S. defense officials said on Monday.

"We have made a commitment that al Qaeda is not going to find anyplace to hide," U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told reporters on his plane as he began a week-long tour of European capitals.

Just as the United States pursued militants affiliated with al Qaeda to northern Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, "we have a responsibility to make sure that al Qaeda does not establish a base for operations in North Africa in Mali," he said.

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More News On The U.S. Role In The Mali Conflict  

U.S. looks to support France's Mali offensive -- CNN
US Pledges Help to France Against Al Qaeda Rebels in Mali -- ABC News
Panetta says US giving intelligence gathering, other aid to French forces in Mali -- Washington Post/AP Leon Panetta Says U.S. Has Pledged to Help France in Mali -- New York Times
US ready to help French forces in Mali: Panetta -- AFP
French to send 1,000 more troops to Mali; U.S. playing supporting role -- NBC News
Panetta: U.S. Support to French in Mali Aimed at al-Qaida -- US Department of Defense
Why US is helping France fight Islamist forces in Mali, Somalia -- Anna Mulrine, Christian Science Monitor