AFRICOM praises Mauritania mission

US military force responsible for operations in Africa has today praised the development of its current mission in Mauritania, following the recent rebel uprisings in neighbouring country, Mali. The US leader of AFRICOM praised Mauritania’s army for its support and cooperation, as it begins its mission along the border with Mali. Meanwhile, Colonel Hamada Walad Beda, coordinator of military exercises in the Mauritian army said he was “happy” with relations between the US and his country, saying the US forces “helped the Mauritanian security to confront organised crime.” Beda also denied rumours that the military presence in the country was down to ongoing violence in Mali. The neighbouring regime is currently in a state of emergency after Tuereg rebels and Islamist militants took control of the north of country more than a month ago. The situation prompted France to send in troops to help the Malian army recapture the region, but there have been concerns that the fighting could spread to Mauritania. “Twenty Arab and European countries will participate in the military exercises that have been planned for over three years. These exercises have nothing to do with the ongoing situation in Mali. The different military forces will be working together in order to learn from each other.” said Beda in a press statement. Beda concluded by reassuring the public that any potential threat from Mali will be dealt with “readily” to ensure the “security and safety of the country.”