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2013-01-16 Africa North

Mali conflict: French set for key ground combat

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Posted by tipper 2013-01-16 04:09|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [11131 views ] Top

#1 French special forces were fighting "hand-to-hand" with Islamists alongside Malian forces in Diabaly. The French may face a difficult situation in the town.

The should consider the Fallujah method--level the buildings housing the Islamists.

Posted by JohnQC 2013-01-16 10:02|| 2013-01-16 10:02|| Front Page Top

#2 this is not a 3-month conflict. it will go on for years. the Islamists are well equipped (with Libyan weapons and US training), have dug caves and hideouts, and stored supplies in many secret locations. France is seriously undermanned if they are committing only 1,000 men and some aircraft. They can capture a few key towns, but by no means can secure a large terrority.

Posted by Raider 2013-01-16 12:19|| 2013-01-16 12:19|| Front Page Top

#3 France has nukes...

Posted by Glenmore 2013-01-16 12:21|| 2013-01-16 12:21|| Front Page Top

#4 The rebels control just about everything north of Dialbaly, Konna, and Douentza (Nearly 3/4th of Mali); an area about the size of Texas. It's going to take much more than what the French have there. The conflict will most likely broaden. As Raider said this is not a 3-month conflict.

Posted by JohnQC 2013-01-16 13:23|| 2013-01-16 13:23|| Front Page Top

#5 How do you say Dien Bien Phu in Bambara (the lingua franca of Mali)?

Posted by Rambler in Virginia 2013-01-16 13:38|| 2013-01-16 13:38|| Front Page Top

#6 "How do you say Dien Bien Phu in Bambara"

How do you say Arclight in French?

Posted by Barbara 2013-01-16 14:29|| 2013-01-16 14:29|| Front Page Top

#7 The French don't have the capability of doing an arclight, Barbara. The US doesn't have the will anymore.

Posted by Rambler in Virginia 2013-01-16 14:40|| 2013-01-16 14:40|| Front Page Top

#8 Too bad, Rambler. :-(

Posted by Barbara 2013-01-16 14:40|| 2013-01-16 14:40|| Front Page Top

#9 Just read that Shabaab executed French hostage Denis Allext.

Posted by JohnQC 2013-01-16 15:05|| 2013-01-16 15:05|| Front Page Top

#10 Well, the French Army prisoner and detainee question (if there ever was one) has now been resolved.

Posted by Besoeker 2013-01-16 15:09|| 2013-01-16 15:09|| Front Page Top

#11 loss of Dennis Allex ... very sad day. About 3-1/2 years in captivity, who knows what kind of mistreatment he underwent, rescue mission failed and he was aware that it cost lives. that's a hard way to go. Condolences to his family and friends.

Posted by Raider 2013-01-16 17:25|| 2013-01-16 17:25|| Front Page Top

#12 A convoy of about 30 armoured vehicles

I hope they have ROEs that don't handicap them and good air support readily available. There was another convoy Groupement Mobile 100 that got chewed up badly in the French Indo China War. Death on the highway Just saying.

Posted by JohnQC 2013-01-16 17:33|| 2013-01-16 17:33|| Front Page Top

#13 I suspect the Frenchies will be requesting ARCLIGHT assistance vee the US very soon, as Muslim Clerics are repor calling on loyal Muslims to travel to Mali to fight France + its African coalition.

Posted by JosephMendiola 2013-01-16 23:58|| 2013-01-16 23:58|| Front Page Top

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