Britain will provide logistical military assistance to France in the fight against Islamist rebels in Mali, the government said Saturday, dpa reported.
Britain would provide transport planes to carry other troops and equipment to Mali amid efforts to halt the rebel advance, but no British troops would engage in combat operations. Two planes were expected to be deployed within the next 24 to 48 hours.
A Downing Street spokesman said the assistance was agreed in a phone call between Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande.
"The Prime Minister has agreed that the UK will provide logistical military assistance to help transport foreign troops and equipment quickly to Mali," said a spokesman for Cameron.