Jeddah, Rabi'II 28, 1438, Jan 26, 2017, SPA -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the creation by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of a multinational joint force to combat insecurity in the Liptako-Gourma area straddling their common borders. OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen in commending the leaders of the three countries who announced this decision at the end of their summit held on 24th January 2017 in Niamey, Niger, noted that the pro-active measure represents a significant step towards stemming the wave of cross-border attacks by militant and terrorist groups active in the sub-region. The Secretary General who urged the three countries to promptly activate the joint force, underscored the importance attached to such collaboration by its Members States to confront common security challenges. --SPA 19:43 LOCAL TIME 16:43 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w320451