Sahel: towards deployment in the coming weeks of European special forces

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The French Minister for the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, affirms that the deployment of European special forces, responsible for supporting the Malian forces in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, will be operational "in the coming weeks". This force, baptized Takouba, had been announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, at the beginning of the year, during the Pau summit.

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Barkhane continues to focus on the Islamic State of the Greater Sahara, particularly in the Liptako-Gourma region. All of our operations are now conducted in conjunction with the local armed forces. There are many very encouraging signs of their rise, particularly on the side of the Malian armed forces, but also, and perhaps above all, of the joint force of the G5 Sahel, whose results are very encouraging. Finally, we continue to focus our efforts on the Takouba task force. The Estonians, the Swedes, are with us, the Czechs have given us an agreement in principle and are currently having discussions with their Parliament. Several countries are showing interest and are considering joining us. And what I can tell you today is that a first deployment of this Takouba force will take place before the end of this summer and will include a hundred soldiers from the special forces.

Florence Parly, French Minister of Defense

Franck Alexandre

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• France
• Mali
• Burkina Faso
• Niger
• Sahel
• G5 Sahel
• Terrorism
• EI

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