France to raise number of troops in West Africa to back Boko Haram fight

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday said his ministry would increase the number of French troops in West Africa to support regional forces in their battle against Nigeria-based Islamist cell Boko Haram.

"We will slightly increase the numbers on (Operation) Barkhane to provide support to forces fighting around Lake Chad," Le Drian said.

The minister did not give accurate details, but noted that reducing its 2,000 troops already stationed in the Central African Republic would help to deploy more forces to Barkhane in West Africa where Boko Haram was behind many bloody attacks and has increasingly threatened the region's security after seizing territory there.

In partnership with five countries in the Sahel-Sahara region, France sent a contingent of 3,000 troops in July 2014 to the Sahel region to combat extremist insurgents.

"We do not intend to take part in the fighting, but we are providing support. What is reassuring on Boko Haram issue, is that there is a real will of the concerned countries to organize themselves and lead the battle. It's a new element that we appreciate," Le Drian told reporters. Enditem