WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the U.S. wants to work with allies on a plan to deal with al-Qaida- linked militants in Mali and elsewhere in the north Africa region.
He told reporters at the Pentagon Wednesday that the U.S. must work with nations in the region to insure that al-Qaida has no place to hide and expand its capabilities.
He did not rule out U.S. military participation in any training or other operations there, but provided no details.
African Union officials are discussing logistics for the deployment of an African-led international force against al-Qaida-linked militants in northern Mali.
Officials have linked al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb to the attack at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. AQIM's leaders are known to be largely in northern Mali.
He told reporters at the Pentagon Wednesday that the U.S. must work with nations in the region to insure that al-Qaida has no place to hide and expand its capabilities.
He did not rule out U.S. military participation in any training or other operations there, but provided no details.
African Union officials are discussing logistics for the deployment of an African-led international force against al-Qaida-linked militants in northern Mali.
Officials have linked al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb to the attack at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. AQIM's leaders are known to be largely in northern Mali.
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