Belgian involvement in Mali ‘imminent’

Foreign minister Didier Reynders has confirmed that Belgium would “in all likelihood” become involved in the conflict in Mali by sending two C-130 aircraft and a helicopter, as well as providing military training. Defence minister Pieter De Crem had hinted at it yesterday; now Reynders has all but made it official. The C-130 aircraft could be available immediately, while the helicopter would be operational on January 21. However, Reynders made it clear that Belgium would not be providing troops. On Friday, France launched a military offensive against Islamist forces in northern Mali that are currently destabilising the country, and sought the support of Belgium and others. A total of 183 Belgian nationals are registered Mali residents; the Belgian government advises them to evacuate the country and they will receive logistical support from France to leave.