Air-land operations by French Army Special Forces and Malian troops to seize the city of Gao 2701131

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French Armed Forces Operation Serval in Mali

 
 
Sunday, January 27, 2013, 11:06 AM
 
Air-land operations by French Army Special Forces and Malian troops to seize the city of Gao.
Over the past 36 hours, the French armed forces involved in the operation Serval and many Malian troops have led air-land operations that helped seize the airport and the bridge in the city of Gao and destroy several Islamist terrorist groups.
     
Over the past 36 hours, the French armed forces involved in the operation Serval and many Malian troops have led air-land operations that helped seize the airport and the bridge in the city of Gao and destroy several Islamist terrorist groups.
A destroyed BTR-60 armoured personnel carrier of Islamist rebels near GAO, January 26, 2013.
     

In an overnight assault on Gao backed by French warplanes and helicopters, French special forces seized the town's airport and a key bridge over the River Niger, killing an estimated dozen Islamist fighters without suffering any losses or injuries, the French army said.

Currently, the French forces on Gao area are reinforced with involvement of 350 Malian soldiers and a unit of the 21st RIMa (Marine Infantry Regiment) who arrived by land and the airlift of several armoured vehicles.

At the same time on the west zone, some other forces of the 21st RIMa and Malian troop have conducted a night reconnaissance offensive mission from Diabaly to Léré, where several terrorist elements were reported a few days ago. This operation was difficult due nature of the terrain. The detachment involved in this action has not met resistance.

     
These air-land operations were preceded by an important phase of airstrikes on targets around Gao and Timbuktu. Nearly thirty of bombs were dropped by fighter aircraft on terrorist targets during the two previous nights. In total, nearly 30 air strikes have been conducted over the past 36 hours.
Two additional fighter aircraft Rafale were deployed on January 25, 2013, for the benefit of Serval Operation and immediately involved for these air strikes.
     
These air-land operations were preceded by an important phase of airstrikes on targets around Gao and Timbuktu. Nearly thirty of bombs were dropped by fighter aircraft on terrorist targets during the two previous nights. In total, nearly 30 air strikes have been conducted over the past 36 hours.

Two additional fighter aircraft Rafale were deployed on January 25, 2013, for the benefit of Serval Operation and immediately involved for these air strikes. Currently, there are 14 French fighter aircraft which are engaged in air operations.

Simultaneously, the French force continues to strengthen its logistic and has now reached the number of 2,500 soldiers deployed in Mali. A second medical unit is now installed in Sévaré.

Over the last 36 hours, a dozen of military transport aircraft have shipped and delivered equipment for the Operation Serval in Mali by the French forces.

The African MISMA (International Mission Support in Mali) and Chad contingents now reached strength of over 1,900 soldiers.

     
The African MISMA (International Mission Support in Mali) and Chad contingents now reached strength of over 1,900 soldiers.
Chadian soldiers embark on C-130 transport aircraft to be deployed in Mali.