(CNN) -- As Islamists in northern Mali threatened to "open the gates of hell," the United States is navigating one tricky quandary: how does it help in the battle against the militants without violating its own policy? U.S. policy prohibits direct military aid to Mali because the fledgling government is a result of a coup. Read more: Panetta: U.S. could provide logistical, intel support in Mali No support can go to the Malian military directly until leaders are elected through an election, said Victoria Nuland, the State Department spokeswoman. "We are not in a position to train the Malian military until we have democracy restored," she said this week.
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NEW: By fighting in Mali, "France is ... opening the gates of hell," Islamist leader says
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NEW: Islamist group says it's "excited," would welcome U.S. troops on the ground
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U.S. law forbids direct military aid because Mali's government seized power in a coup
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French troops are spearheading an effort to flush out the militants
Read more: @placeholder vows to halt jihadist charge in Mali