United States Pledges $60m To Build New African Counterterrorism Force

The Trump administration said Monday it would contribute an initial $60 million to help five nations in Africa’s Sahel region build a cross-border counterterrorism force but balked at a plan to provide multilateral support through the United Nations.

Gunmen Lay Siege to Mali Hotel; Kill Scores, Take Hostages

Bamako (AFP) - Several hostages, including a number of foreigners, were caught in a standoff in central Mali Friday after gunmen stormed a hotel during a shootout with soldiers in which at least five troops and two attackers were killed, the government said.