Pentagon spokesman commends France's efforts in Mali

As of Jan. 23, 2013 the U.S. Air Force has flown five C-17 sorties moving about 80 French troops and more than 124 tons of supplies and equipment into Mali.

By Amaani Lyle , American Forces Press Service Washington, D.C. Jan 23, 2013

View Gallery

Gallery contains 1 image

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little today praised French allies and said the United States will continue providing intelligence and airlift support against an al-Qaida-affiliated group in Mali.

"We commend the French for their actions in Mali to confront an extremist threat in that country," Little told reporters. "We stand by our French allies and will … continue to work with [them] to determine what their future needs might be."

As of Jan. 23, 2013 the U.S. Air Force has flown five C-17 sorties moving about 80 French troops and more than 124 tons of supplies and equipment into Mali.

"We’ve provided information in support of the French since their operations began in Mali, … and we continue to consult with the French on further steps that we may take as U.S. government to support their efforts in Mali," he said.

Little also noted that Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has for years been "very clear" in his stance on al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, a Mali-based militant organization, and other branches of al-Qaida.

"We need to go after al-Qaida wherever they are around the world," he said, echoing Panetta's remarks.

Since operations began in the region, the United States has "moved quickly to provide intelligence and airlift as part of a deliberate effort" to consult with France and assess how the U.S. can best support among other countries, Little said.

"This is truly an international effort, French-led, but a number of countries are providing support in the effort, including the United States," he added.

AFRICOM Commander engages in Mali

Commander participates in Cutlass Express, JCET opening ceremonies

U.S. Africa Command leaders visit Mauritania to highlight cooperation and importance of G5 Sahel

AFRICOM leader highlights support to African and international partners during Sahel visit

U.S. Naval Forces-Africa’s FAST conducts cross-continent exercise

Mali

AFRICOM Commander Assesses East in First African Trip

U.S. Africa Command’s new commander, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, visited East Africa this week to meet with political and defense leaders and U.S. embassy country teams and to engage with U.S. servicemembers stationed there.

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, concluded a two-week operation Aug. 23, 2025, that included multiple airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia in the Puntland region of Somalia.

AFRICA SHIELD 2025: Strengthening Counterproliferation Efforts Across Africa

From August 4-6, 2025, DTRA's International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), in partnership with the EU CBRN CoE and UNICRI, hosted the AFRICA SHIELD 2025 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop in Rabat, Morocco. This inaugural workshop brought together nearly 100 participants from across the African continent, representing law enforcement, military, policy, and UNSCR-1540 national-level coordination.

AFRICOM Commander Assesses East in First African Trip

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

AFRICA SHIELD 2025: Strengthening Counterproliferation Efforts Across Africa

AFRICOM Commander Assesses East in First African Trip

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

AFRICA SHIELD 2025: Strengthening Counterproliferation Efforts Across Africa

United States Africa Command

Pentagon spokesman commends France's efforts in Mali

As of Jan. 23, 2013 the U.S. Air Force has flown five C-17 sorties moving about 80 French troops and more than 124 tons of supplies and equipment into Mali.

Assisting the French in Mali