U.K. female soldiers deployed to Mali in front of one of the three Royal Air Force (RAF) twin-rotor Chinooks in west Africa Sahel nation providing crucial airlift support for France’s Barkhane anti-terror mission March 08, 2021. (credit:twitterUKdefenseafrica)
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
United Kingdom Armed Forces Minister James Heappey visited west Africa nation Mali this week to show support for France’s Operation Barkhane counter-terror mission in the Sahel. Last December, the UK Government dispatched a large-scale British peacekeeping deployment to Eastern Mali, deploying 300 troops to help booster the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the African Sahel. Earlier this year, an Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter delivered heavy equipment to extend French and Malian forces’ operational range as part of Op Barkhane. Since 2018, three RAF Chinooks have been based in Gao, Mali that form 1310 Flt which are currently operated by personnel from RAF Odiham based 27 Squadron RAF, together with supporting elements from the Tactical Supply Wing and Joint Helicopter Support Squadron.
“The UK’s contribution to the French mission, Op Barkhane, is important by providing heavy support helicopter lift. This enables French and Malian ground and aviation elements to operate at significant range and remain resupplied.”
-Lieutenant Colonel Steve Brining, UK National Component Commander
“We regard the French as our closest military ally in Europe,” Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said during a trip to a base in Gao, central Mali – AFP
“Heavy-lift helicopters is one of these areas where our capability is complementary to the capability the French do not have, and we are able to provide that. Being here to show Anglo-French solidarity through Barkhane is really important to us.”
🇬🇧 Minister for the Armed Forces @JSHeappey is in 🇲🇱#Mali this week to visit troops from @LDLightCav @RAnglians who are supporting @UN_MINUSMA's peacekeeping operation.
🚁He also visited the UK helicopters from @RAF_Odiham contributing to 🇫🇷-led Operation #Barkhane⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XEaayiMEDp
— UK at the UN 🇬🇧 (@UKUN_NewYork) March 10, 2021
