European Special Forces for Sahel?
Western Special Forces may be deploying to the Sahel-Saharan region to combat regional terrorists, according to a new report. France, Britain, Spain and Italy are forming a specialised combat force to rapidly intervene in Sahel countries to hunt down leaders of al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, according to a new report.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/European-Specia...
Algeria's El Khabar reported August 16th that the 2,000-man force, under preparation for months, includes "more than 800 personnel from French, British, Italian and Spanish Special Forces".In addition to tracking terror leaders, the new force could be used to intervene and rescue hostages being held by al-Qaeda affiliates, according to the paper, Magharebia reports.
There were reports that EU security personnel had visited Sahel countries, particularly Niger and Mauritania but there was no suggestion at that stage of the use of special forces. If true the report could indicate that the EU may be prepared to use special forces to tackle Al Qaeda and rescue hostages, such activity can be risky . However it would be at least a possible solution to the threat AQMI poses to the region and with the attendent threats of arms and drugs smuggling an EU special forces contingent could offer an effective solution for a very lawless area.
There were reports that EU security personnel had visited Sahel countries, particularly Niger and Mauritania but there was no suggestion at that stage of the use of special forces. If true the report could indicate that the EU may be prepared to use special forces to tackle Al Qaeda and rescue hostages, such activity can be risky . However it would be at least a possible solution to the threat AQMI poses to the region and with the attendent threats of arms and drugs smuggling an EU special forces contingent could offer an effective solution for a very lawless area.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/European-Specia...