Paris, France - France on Wednesday hailed 'the courage' of the Mauritanian military in their 'difficult fight' against Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQMI). 'We also recognise the determination with which the Mauritanian authorities are resolved not to allow AQMI to establish a base on Mauritanian territory and its outskirts,' a spokesperson for the French foreign affairs ministry,  Romain Nadal, said in Paris at a press briefing. Mr Nadal said the war being waged by Mauritania against AQMI was essential for the country's stability and socio-economic development and the sub-region.

A group of armed men suspected to be members of AQMI on Tuesday evening attacked the military base of Bassiknou in southeast of Mauritania, injuring four Mauritanian soldiers.

The attack took place less than a week after the destruction in Mali of an AQMI base by the Mauritanian army.

Pana 07/07/2011