Mali insurgents are headed south seeking to take control of the entire nation of Mali. French troops have entered and are using air power in order to halt the advance. A few days ago, Mali leaders warned of consequences to anyone who impedes their advance. Evidence this was not an idle threat soon appeared. A group which calls itself, Katibat Moulathamine-Masked Brigade– attacked a gas complex in Algeria and seized about forty Europeans as hostages. The assault is believed to be retaliation for French forces in Mali.
Algeria has held back from supporting the French. Perhaps, the government now has reason to intervene on the side of French forces. If any nation understands problems with Muslim fanatics, surely the country of Algeria has good reason.
