UAE begins flights to help anti-terrorism efforts in Africa's Sahel region

A logistical support flight bound for Africa left Abu Dhabi in the presence of Lt Gen Saleh Mohammad Saleh Al Ameri, commander of joint operations at the Ministry of Defence, and Xavier Chatel, FrenchShow more

The UAE Ministry of Defence is sending flights to help international efforts led by France to battle terrorism in the Sahel region of Africa.

The departure of the first flight from Abu Dhabi was watched by Lt Gen Saleh Al Ameri, commander of joint operations at the Ministry of Defence, and Xavier Chatel, French ambassador to the UAE.

Lt Gen Al Ameri said the UAE was keen to help ensure security and stability in the Sahel.

Mr Chatel thanked the UAE for supporting international efforts to stabilise the region.

The Armed Forces have several flights scheduled to carry humanitarian aid, given its extensive regional and international experience in the field.

France is a key player in the battle against extremist insurgencies in West Africa.

It has contributed about 5,100 troops to a counter-terrorism force that is battling ISIS and Al Qaeda-linked militants in the vast Sahel region, which includes Chad, Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Burkina Faso.