Defense

Al Qaida pushes deeper into Mali

Mali's president has declared a state of emergency on national television a day after Islamists pushed the closest ever from the north toward government-held...

Federal News Radio Custom Media@WTOPWFEDcustom

January 14, 2013 10:50 am

< a min read

Mali’s president has declared a state of emergency on national television a day after Islamists pushed the closest ever from the north toward government-held territory. President Dioncounda Traore said late Friday that the declaration would remain in effect for 10 days and could be renewed. The president called on mining companies and non-government organizations to give up their pickups and other trucks to the Malian military, raising questions about the capacity of the army. The U.S. is concerned about Mali because of Al Qaida’s strong base there.