The United Nations Security Council on Thursday authorised a military intervention led by African states to help defeat Islamist militants in northern Mali.
The resolution, drafted by France, authorises the deployment of an African-led intervention force to be known as AFISMA, for an initial period of one year. The resolution also authorised the EU and other UN member states to help rebuild national security forces in Mali.
Up to 3300 troops are expected to make up AFISMA which will assist Malian security forces "in recovering the areas in the north of its territory under the control of terrorist, extremist and armed groups."
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