West African bloc Ecowas has authorised the immediate deployment of 2, 000 troops to Mali and UK Prime Minister David Cameron said British forces would offer logistical assistance to help transport troops and equipment.

BBC: Hollande steps up France security over Mali and Somalia

British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed to "provide logistical military assistance to help transport foreign troops and equipment quickly to Mali, " but no British personnel in a combat role, a Downing Street spokesman said.

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