Mali: Algeria reinforces southern borders

Algeria is preparing to strengthen the southern borders separating it from the northern regions of Mali. The area is a jihadist stronghold and could be subject to a United Nations led (UN) military intervention. Commander of the National Gendarmerie General Ahmed Bousteila will visit five southern provinces to check on security and the presence of the armed forces, beginning in Tamanrasset. According to newspaper Le Temps d'Algérie this is expected to result in a strengthening of defenses in the south and will involve all ground units. Future military intervention is likely to be dangerous and Bousteila will advise as much to Algerian border forces. Foreign intervention could spur hundreds of jihadists to join those already operating in the south of the country.