African Union Calls For NATO Troops To Fight Islamists

The chairman of the African Union is calling for NATO to send troops to fight Islamic extremists who have taken control of northern Mali.

Thomas Boni Yaya is calling for intervention in the country similar to how NATO placed troops in Afghanistan in the removal of the Taliban. Yaya classified the situation as an “international question” similar to the Taliban’s control of Afghanistan. Continue reading

African Union Launches Anti-Extremist Offensive

Kenya’s military reports that African Union forces have launched an assault and control large parts of Kismayo, the biggest city still held by Islamic extremists. Operation “Sledge Hammer” launched at 2 a.m. local time.

Local witnesses told the Associated Press that the troops captured the port but that Al-Qaeda related extremists from Al-Shabab controlled other parts of the city. The city is the major source of revenue for the terrorist group as they assess “taxes” on all imported items. Continue reading