File photo shows a US-made unarmed Reaper surveillance drone.<\/p>\n
France has plans to purchase US-made unarmed Reaper surveillance drones in a bid to back up its military operations against fighters in the crisis-hit African country, Mali, a report says.\n<\/p>\n
According to the report published by Air et Cosmos<\/i> specialist magazine on Friday, France will buy two American medium-altitude Reaper drones following a deal reached between Paris and Washington.\n<\/p>\n
The report added that the French Air Force, which has already deployed Israeli-made armed unmanned drones to the West African nation, intends to acquire more modern drones rapidly.\n<\/p>\n
In February, a report published by the World Tribune<\/i> indicated that the French military has used “Harfang” medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) drones manufactured by Israel in the war-torn country.\n<\/p>\n
The Air et Cosmos<\/i> report also stated that the French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who is currently on a visit to the US, is set to make an official announcement in this regard.\n<\/p>\n
France launched its war on the resource-rich West African country in January under the pretext of fighting al-Qaeda-linked extremists.\n<\/p>\n
The French-led war on Mali has caused a serious humanitarian crisis in the northern areas of the country and has displaced thousands of people, who now live in deplorable conditions.\n<\/p>\n
Amnesty International said on February 1 that serious human rights breaches including the killing of children were being conducted in Mali.\n<\/p>\n
Some political analysts believe Mali’s abundant natural resources, including gold and uranium, could be one of the reasons behind the French war against the African country.\n<\/p>\n
MAM\/SS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n