Mauritania says its military has conducted an air strike on a suspected al-Qaida terrorist base in western Mali.

Authorities say Thursday's raid destroyed a camp in the Wagadou Forest operated by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb , al-Qaida's northern Africa affiliate.

Military officials said terrorists at the base were preparing to launch a cross-border attack on Mauritania.

In June, Mali and Mauritania carried out a joint operation on an al-Qaida terrorist camp in the same area.

Armies from both countries have carried out military operations aimed at rooting out al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which has bases along the border area.

Officials say the terrorists have used the camps to launch attacks throughout the region.