Chinook helicopters remain for (at least) another six months in the Sahel in support

(B2) The British will remain in Operation Barkhane. The British Prime Minister announced on Monday (July 8): British Chinook helicopters and personnel currently assigned to France's counter-terrorism operation in northern Mali will extend their mission for a minimum of six months »

Theresa May made the announcement during a visit to UK Operations HQ in Northwood, north London. Three Chinook helicopters and nearly 100 service personnel have been deployed to Operation Barkhane since 2018.” They bring a unique logistical capability to the operation, allowing French land forces to operate more effectively in the Sahel, particularly in Niger and Burkina Faso.” it is said in London.

For Defense Minister Penny Mordaunt: “ The growing instability across the Sahel is causing suffering for local communities and represents a real threat to European security. It is right that we extend our commitment to the counter-terrorism operation in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger »

A decision hailed by the French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly: “ The [British] involvement is important to us, but it is especially so for the populations who suffer the violence of terrorist groupss ".

(NGV)

NB: The United Kingdom is also strengthening its commitment to the region with the creation of new embassies, the extension of the development program and support for security interventions in the region.