UK troops fly in to train Mali’s army

British troops have arrived in Mali to help train troops fighting Islamist extremists in the west African state, it was announced yesterday.

UK personnel are part of a European Union mission to train Malian armed forces.

Ministers have stressed they will not have a combat role.

In February, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond announced 40 UK personnel would join the training mission.

Announcing their arrival in Mali, he said: “Through this mission we will support the Malian government to counter the violent insurgency which also poses a clear threat to our national interests.”

Some 21 personnel from 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment arrived in Bamako on Tuesday and will be joined by troops from 45 Commando Royal Marines, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, and six from the Irish Defence Force.