Offensive Against AQIM (North)

The two countries will work together to stop Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) further establishing itself in Mali's Wagadou Forest near the Mauritanian border.

AQIM members have been regularly spotted in the region, suggesting it has become a base for the group.

"We are quickly going to carry out joint military operations," the source said following talks between officials in the village of Segou, north of Mali's capital Bamako. The closed meeting began on Friday.

The two countries agreed to patrols and information exchanges as part of the joint action, the source added.

Mali and Mauritania have previously expressed concerns about the activities of AQIM along with Nigeria and Algeria.

The group has several bases in Mali from where it launches operations in the Sahel desert region, carrying out attacks, kidnappings of foreigners and drug trafficking.

© 2011 AFP