French forces deal "serious blow" to terrorists in Mali

Fight against terrorism – Operation Barkhane – Press communiqué issued by Mme Florence Parly, Minister for the Armed Forces

Paris, 23 November 2018

During the night of 22-23 November 2018, French military forces serving in the Sahel as part of Operation Barkhane carried out a bold, complex, large-scale raid to neutralize a large terrorist detachment that probably contained one of Iyad ag Ghaly’s top commanders, Amadou Koufa, head of the Macina Liberation Front.

Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly applauds the courageous and effective efforts by the troops involved in this operation. This latest French military success in the Sahel reflects our resolve to relentlessly combat terrorism. It also demonstrates our determination to assist the Malian authorities in their daily battle to stabilize and restore peace to their country.

Last night’s operation deals a serious blow to a particularly brutal terrorist organization. It has repeatedly targeted civilians and symbols of the authority of the Malian state. Weakening terrorist groups is crucial to the restoration of public services, access to education and a gradual return to normal daily life. Military action can be effective only if it goes hand in hand with development policy. This is how Barkhane conceives of its mission./.