THE Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Royal Irish are among a number of regiments on standby for deployment to Mali.
The news comes as French-led forces continue an offensive against Islamic militants who seized territory in the north of the African state last year.
British troops are being sent to assist with the training of African military involved in the crisis and not to take part in combat operations.
Speaking yesterday, an MoD spokesperson confirmed to the News Letter that the Royal Irish were among a number of units being considered for deployment.
He added: “As part of prudent planning to support the EU training Mission and AFISMA (African-led International Support Mission to Mali) the Army has placed a pool of forces on a reduced notice to move. No final decisions on specific units have yet been made.
“We will not provide a running commentary on military planning. If or when a decision is taken to deploy British Army units it will be announced in line with normal procedure.”
The UK is expected to commit around 330 military personnel to Mali and neighbouring states within weeks.