In Northern Mali, al-Qaeda Building Its Own Country -- Newser
(Newser) – Since the military coup in Mali earlier this year, al-Qaeda's influence in the African nation has increased—to the point that northern Mali, the largest territory held by the terror group, is now basically al-Qaeda's own country. The AP takes an extensive look, describing the elaborate series of tunnels, trenches, and other defenses erected by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and its allies, Ansar Dine and MUJAO. The Islamist extremists are preparing for a war they say will be worse than Afghanistan, and have been stockpiling weapons, supplies, and fuel as well as training forces there.
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Update: Al-Qaeda carves out its own country in Mali -- USA Today/AP
My Comment: Al Qaeda certainly does not look like it is going away soon.