President Barack Obama is increasing the emergency Pentagon funding to help France fight terrorists in northwest Africa.
Obama on Wednesday ordered the release of up to $35 million in defence services to battle extremists in Mali, Niger and Chad.
The direction follows Obama's $10 million order for France's effort in August.
France has deployed 3,000 troops to fight Islamic groups in Africa's Sahel region and has committed to a slight increase by the end of the year. It recently has been focusing on the growing threat from Boko Haram in Nigeria , primarily by providing intelligence.
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