Chepstow's 1 RIFLES are helping to stabilise Mali in the face of the threat from Islamic fundamentalists.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 RIFLES) have assumed responsibility for the UK's contribution to the EU mission in Mali.

14 soldiers left on Sunday 15th to join the seven who have been there for the past week.

"We are increasing investment in longer-term conflict prevention; our Armed Forces will be much more engaged in capacity-building and the training of domestic forces in future," said Philip Hammond, Defence Secretary.

The riflemen take over from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment (1 R IRISH), which deployed six months ago in support of the ongoing EU Training Mission as part of wider efforts to build long-term stability in Mali.

The troops are delivering intensive 10-week training slots to Malian units designed to develop skills and tactics from individual to battle group level. The training also gives the Malians a clear practical understanding of the standards of ethical conduct required of troops engaged in combat and counter-insurgency operations.

The Rifles will be deployed for six months and will draw upon the experience of similar missions in Afghanistan, where they mentored and trained local forces two years ago.

The 21 volunteers have also prepared with extensive pre-deployment training including cross-country driving, close-quarter marksmanship, foreign weapon handling, mentoring and French language lessons.

The 1 RIFLES deployment with the EU Training Mission follows initial UK military support to the efforts of French and African Union troops who went into Mali in January 2013 to help halt the advance of Islamist extremists and to stabilise the country.