Channels

Sweden offers support to free up French troops fighting Islamic State

STOCKHOLM - Sweden said on Wednesday it would send a transport plane and logistical support to Mali and other parts of Africa to free up French forces stationed there and let them join the fight against Islamic State.

 

Ministers said the help could be expanded later - a significant offer for a country that has joined peacekeeping missions but not fought an actual war for more than 200 years.

 

The move was Stockholm's response to a French request for help from EU member states following the Nov. 13 attacks on Paris.

 

Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom told reporters France had not asked Sweden directly for air surveillance support.

 

"What they immediately ... named was what is called 'back fill' - that is you add to support, mainly in Africa: the Central African Republic, Mali because it frees up soldiers and resources for them."

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.16.15, 15:33