![(FILES) This file photo taken on November 2, 2017 shows Malian soldiers, part of a joint military force, the G5 Sahel, sitting in a vehicle as they patrol on November 2, 2017 in central Mali, in the border zone with Burkina Faso and Niger.
Oil-rich Gulf countries pledged 130 million euros on December 13, 2017 towards fighting jihadists in West Africa's Sahel region, as French President hosted leaders in a bid to boost a fledgling five-nation military force. / AFP PHOTO / Daphné BENOIT](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GJE72PQRC6EIWYGSKUKB2QYQVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=d6ddfca4eead1b99907a0982cf4e6b984d09c9342c3c734b5fa104cb7f648550&width=400&height=225)
Malian soldiers in the G5 Sahel joint military force on patrol during a 2017 operation. AFP
Malian soldiers in the G5 Sahel joint military force on patrol during a 2017 operation. AFP
West African leaders hold summit on Sahel anti-terror battle
In 2018, terrorist groups carried out more than one attack every day in the region
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The National
12 September, 2019