Operation Serval

Operation Serval was a French military intervention in Mali, launched in January 2013 to stop an Islamist militant advance and restore government control over northern territory.

Battle of Konna: A January 2013 battle in which Malian forces, supported by French air strikes, retook Konna from Islamist militants. The militants’ capture of Konna prompted France to launch the operation.
Tuareg rebellion (2012): An uprising in northern Mali that began in 2012, led principally by Tuareg separatists seeking an independent Azawad. The rebellion weakened Malian control in the north before militant groups seized territory.
François Hollande: President of France from 2012 to 2017, who ordered French military intervention in Mali in January 2013. Hollande authorized Serval after Mali’s government requested urgent military assistance.
Operation Barkhane: A French military operation launched in 2014 to counter armed groups across the Sahel-Sahara region. Barkhane replaced Serval and extended French counterterrorism operations across the Sahel.
French Air and Space Force: The French military service responsible for air operations, including combat aviation and air transport. French aircraft struck militant positions and moved troops and supplies into Mali.
2012 Malian coup d'état: A military coup in March 2012 that overthrew Mali’s elected president, Amadou Toumani Touré. The coup disrupted the state’s response to the northern rebellion and deepened the crisis.
Dioncounda Traoré: Mali’s interim president from 2012 to 2013, who requested French military assistance against the Islamist advance. His government’s request provided the immediate invitation for French intervention.
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali: A United Nations peacekeeping mission established in Mali in 2013 to support stabilization and political processes. The mission deployed as French forces restored control over key northern cities.
French Foreign Legion: A French Army corps open to foreign recruits that serves in France’s armed forces. Legion units took part in ground operations to retake northern Malian towns.
National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad: A Tuareg separatist movement that declared an independent Azawad in northern Mali in 2012. Its rebellion opened space for Islamist groups to gain control of northern towns.

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