Brussels, Belgium - Belgium has sent two war planes, two helicopters equipped with medical facilities, and 75-strong troops to support France in their offensive against Islamist groups in Mali, official sources in Brussels told PANA Wednesday.
The decision by Belgium was announced by Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo at the end of the council of ministers’ meeting.
The Belgian soldiers, however, will not be involved in battle.
The support mission which is to be sustained until 1 March, 2013, will cost Belgium 3.395 million euros, according to Rupo.
Some 180 Belgian nationals live in Mali.
Pana 17/01/2013