US military admits Mali mistakes

DHAKA: The commander of US forces in Africa says the Pentagon made mistakes in its training of Malian troops now trying to oust Islamists from the north.

Gen Carter Ham, of US Africom, said American forces had failed to train Malian troops on "values, ethics and a military ethos".

He was speaking after reports of abuses by Mali government troops taking part in the French-led counter-offensive.

Meanwhile, air strikes have been reported near the northern city of Gao.

The militant stronghold came under fire as the military operation entered its third week.

Islamists seized the north of the country last year and have imposed a strict interpretation of Sharia law on its inhabitants.

France intervened militarily on 11 January to stop them advancing further south.

Source: BBC
BDST: 1705 HRS, JAN 25, 2013
AKA