Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is calling for an expansion of American military aid and equipment to the West African nation of Mali, as French and local forces continue to battle Islamic militants in the country.
During a visit to the Malian capitol of Bamako on Tuesday, McCain told reporters the Pentagon needed to step up its investment in Mali, by moving U.S. advisers and equipment into the country, Reuters reports.
“We will work with the French forces, assess the French and allied forces on the ground, and see to what extent we can provide equipment, training, and technology to rid Mali of these rebels which include al Qaeda,” according to McCain, who traveled to Africa with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)
McCain did not provide any details on what kind of specific training and equipment the DOD should offer to the Malian military.
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