The United Nations Security Council today approved the deployment of an African force to retake northern Mali from extremists linked to al-Qaeda along with training and equipment for Malian soldiers.

The UN’s decision-making body unanimously authorized an African-led mission for an initial period of one year to “take all necessary measures” to regain control of territory that fell under Islamist groups after a coup in March. The resolution asks for progress in political talks and verified training among the conditions for military action.

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