The United States will
"continue to support"
the operations against the jihadists in the Sahel despite the announced end of the French military operation Barkhane, assured Friday the spokesman of the Pentagon, John Kirby.
"We will continue to contribute to the capacity building of our partners in Africa, which includes the capacities to carry out counterterrorism operations"
, declared John Kirby during a press briefing.
To read also: Sahel: Emmanuel Macron turns the page of Barkhane
"We will continue to provide some support, of the kind that we provide to the French according to their needs in the region,"
added the spokesman for the US Department of Defense. In the Sahel, Washington has so far provided Operation Barkhane with valuable intelligence and surveillance capabilities - especially through its drones -, in-flight refueling and logistical transport.
The US military remains "committed" to counterterrorism operations with partners in Africa, continued John Kirby.
“A big part is helping them build their own capabilities to conduct these kinds of operations, and we're still committed to that.”
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday the end of the French Operation Barkhane in the Sahel for the benefit of an international coalition.
After eight years of uninterrupted presence in the Sahel, where 5,100 of its soldiers are today deployed, France now wants to move from being a front-line force against the jihadists to that of a support and support force (intelligence , drones, fighter planes ...). The decrease in French military personnel will take place gradually, with a milestone of around 3,500 men within a year then 2,500 people by 2023, according to a source familiar with the matter. The elite commandos of the French “Saber” task force should be maintained to continue the hunt for jihadist leaders.