By Daily Mail Reporter Britain will assist France in its attempt to stop the advancement of al-Qaeda rebels in Mali, it has been revealed. The UK will transport troops and specialist equipment to the West African country after France launched an operation in conjunction with the Malian Government to halt Islamic extremists. Assistance was agreed in a phone call between David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande. The Prime Minister earlier expressed his 'deep concern' about the advancement of rebels in the country. Onlookers walk past a fire at Ngolonina market in the Malian capital of Bamako. The fire began as France launched air strikes against Islamist militants
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Follows conversation between David Cameron and Francois Hollande
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UK troops will not engage in combat in the West African country
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Prime Minister expressed deep concern about al-Qaeda advancement in Mali
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French strikes helped wrestle key town Konna back from Islamic militants
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French intervention prompts protests involving Islamists in London
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Al-Qaeda warns France it will be 'digging tombs of sons' if action continues
@placeholder this evening to discuss the deteriorating situation in Mali