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Total Categories: 6
Operation Serval was initiated to counter the southward advance of Islamic militants into central Mali.
Answer: True
The primary objective of Operation Serval was to expel Islamic militants from northern Mali who were advancing south into the country's central regions.
The operation was named after the serval, a type of large feline found in Africa.
Answer: True
The operation was named 'Serval' in reference to the serval, a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa.
The Tuareg rebellion in Mali in 2012 was partly influenced by weapons flowing from the 2011 Libyan Civil War.
Answer: True
The Tuareg rebellion, initiated by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) in January 2012, was partly fueled by an influx of weapons and experienced fighters returning from the 2011 Libyan Civil War.
In April 2012, the MNLA declared the independence of Azawad, a region in northern Mali.
Answer: True
Following the cessation of its offensive in April 2012, the MNLA proclaimed the independence of Azawad, a distinct region within northern Mali.
Conflict between the MNLA and Islamist groups arose when the MNLA began enforcing Sharia law.
Answer: False
Conflict erupted between the MNLA and Islamist groups such as Ansar Dine and MOJWA in June 2012 because the Islamist groups began enforcing Sharia law, which was contrary to the MNLA's secular objectives.
France's main justification for intervening was to prevent the establishment of a 'terrorist state' near Europe.
Answer: True
France's primary stated rationale for intervening in Mali was to avert the creation of a 'terrorist state' in proximity to Europe, thereby addressing a significant security concern.
What was the primary objective of the French military intervention known as Operation Serval?
Answer: To expel Islamic militants from northern Mali who were advancing south.
The principal objective of Operation Serval was to expel Islamic militants from northern Mali who had initiated a southward advance into the country's central regions.
The name 'Operation Serval' is derived from which African animal?
Answer: Serval
The operation was named 'Serval' after the serval, a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa.
What external event contributed to the influx of weapons fueling the 2012 Tuareg rebellion in Mali?
Answer: The Libyan Civil War
The Tuareg rebellion in Mali was partly fueled by an influx of weapons and experienced fighters resulting from the 2011 Libyan Civil War.
What declaration did the MNLA make in April 2012 regarding northern Mali?
Answer: They declared the independence of Azawad.
In April 2012, the MNLA declared the independence of Azawad, a region in northern Mali, after calling off its offensive.
Why did conflict erupt between the MNLA and Islamist groups like Ansar Dine in June 2012?
Answer: Islamist groups attempted to impose Sharia law.
Conflict arose between the MNLA and Islamist groups in June 2012 when the latter began enforcing Sharia law within Azawad, a move contrary to the MNLA's objectives.
What was France's primary security justification for intervening in Mali?
Answer: To prevent the establishment of a 'terrorist state' near Europe.
France's principal security justification for intervening was to prevent the establishment of a 'terrorist state' on the doorstep of France and Europe.
What was the French justification for intervening, related to security threats?
Answer: Preventing the establishment of a terrorist state near Europe.
France's primary security justification for intervention was to prevent the establishment of a 'terrorist state' near Europe.
Operation Serval commenced in January 2013 and was succeeded by Operation Barkhane.
Answer: True
Operation Serval commenced on January 11, 2013, and concluded on July 15, 2014. It was subsequently replaced by Operation Barkhane, which began on August 1, 2014, to continue counter-insurgency efforts across the Sahel region.
By July 2012, Islamist groups MOJWA and Ansar Dine had captured Gao and Timbuktu after expelling the MNLA.
Answer: True
By July 2012, MOJWA and Ansar Dine had expelled the MNLA from major cities. Douentza was captured by MOJWA in September 2012, and Lérré was taken by Ansar Dine in November 2012, indicating their control over key northern areas.
The main ground offensive into northern Mali began on January 16, 2013, leading to the recapture of Konna.
Answer: True
The French and Malian forces initiated a significant ground offensive into northern Mali on January 16, 2013. A key early success was the recapture of Konna on January 18, 2013.
Timbuktu was captured by French and Malian forces on January 27, 2013, after significant resistance.
Answer: False
French and Malian forces entered Timbuktu on January 27, 2013, without encountering significant resistance from the occupying militant forces.
The first suicide attack of the conflict occurred in Gao on February 8, 2013.
Answer: True
On February 8, 2013, the conflict saw its first suicide attack, which took place in Gao and resulted in one Malian soldier being injured and the attacker killed.
The Battle of Konna was significant because French airstrikes halted the rebel advance southward.
Answer: True
The Battle of Konna represented a critical juncture, where French airstrikes successfully halted the southward advance of Islamist rebels, thereby precipitating the French military intervention.
The Adrar des Ifoghas mountains were a secondary area of conflict with minimal engagement.
Answer: False
The Adrar des Ifoghas mountains in northeastern Mali served as a significant theater of conflict, witnessing heavy fighting between French soldiers and militants, resulting in casualties on both sides.
In which year did Operation Serval commence?
Answer: 2013
Operation Serval commenced on January 11, 2013.
Which key Malian town was recaptured by French and Malian forces on January 18, 2013?
Answer: Konna
On January 18, 2013, French and Malian forces recaptured the town of Konna, a significant early success in the ground offensive.
French and Malian forces captured Timbuktu on January 27, 2013, under what circumstances?
Answer: Without resistance from the occupying forces.
French and Malian forces entered Timbuktu on January 27, 2013, encountering no significant resistance from the militant groups that had occupied the city.
Which geographical area served as a significant site of conflict where French soldiers engaged in heavy fighting?
Answer: The Adrar des Ifoghas mountains
The Adrar des Ifoghas mountains in northeastern Mali were a significant area of conflict where French soldiers engaged in intense fighting against militants.
What was the duration of Operation Serval?
Answer: Approximately 1 year, 6 months, and 4 days
Operation Serval lasted for one year, six months, and four days, commencing on January 11, 2013, and concluding on July 15, 2014.
France and Mali were the primary belligerents against Islamic militant groups like AQIM and Boko Haram during Operation Serval.
Answer: True
The principal belligerents were France and Mali, supported by allied nations, who opposed various Islamic militant groups including MOJWA, AQIM, Ansar Dine, Boko Haram, and Ansaru.
French forces involved in Operation Serval numbered approximately 5,100 personnel.
Answer: True
French forces involved in Operation Serval totaled approximately 5,100 personnel, in addition to the approximately 4,000 troops deployed initially.
Which militant group was NOT listed as a primary opponent of French and Malian forces during Operation Serval?
Answer: Al-Shabaab
The primary militant groups opposing French and Malian forces during Operation Serval included MOJWA, AQIM, Ansar Dine, Boko Haram, and Ansaru. Al-Shabaab was not listed as a primary opponent in this context.
Approximately how many Islamic militant fighters were estimated to be involved in the conflict?
Answer: 5,000 - 10,000
Estimates placed the number of Islamic militant fighters involved in the conflict between 5,000 and 10,000.
Which of the following was NOT among the militant groups opposing French and Malian forces?
Answer: MNLA
While the MNLA was involved in the conflict, it was primarily the Islamist groups such as MOJWA, AQIM, and Ansar Dine that were the main opponents of French and Malian forces during Operation Serval.
The French Air Force deployed Mirage 2000D fighter jets and EADS Harfang UAVs during the operation.
Answer: True
Key French Air Force assets deployed included Mirage F1 CR reconnaissance aircraft, Mirage 2000D fighter jets, KC-135 Stratotanker refueling planes, transport aircraft, Rafale fighter jets, and EADS Harfang UAVs.
The French Army's 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1st REC) and 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2nd REP) were involved in Operation Serval.
Answer: True
Significant French Army units involved included elements from the 3rd Mechanised Brigade, 6th Light Armoured Brigade, 11th Parachute Brigade, and the Foreign Legion, specifically the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1st REC) and 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2nd REP).
The French Navy contributed reconnaissance aircraft and deployed the amphibious assault ship 'Dixmude'.
Answer: True
The French Navy supported Operation Serval by deploying Breguet Atlantic long-range reconnaissance aircraft and the Mistral-class amphibious assault ship Dixmude, which was used to transport troops and equipment.
What French Navy vessel supported the operation by transporting troops and equipment?
Answer: The amphibious assault ship Dixmude
The French Navy deployed the Mistral-class amphibious assault ship Dixmude to transport troops and equipment as part of its support for Operation Serval.
Which of the following was NOT a French Army unit significantly involved in Operation Serval?
Answer: 7th Armoured Brigade
Key French Army units involved included the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1st REC), the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment, and the 6th Light Armoured Brigade, among others. The 7th Armoured Brigade was not listed as significantly involved.
Which of the following was NOT a French Air Force asset deployed during Operation Serval?
Answer: E-3 Sentry AWACS
The French Air Force deployed assets such as Mirage F1 CR, Mirage 2000D, Rafale fighter jets, KC-135 Stratotankers, C-130 Hercules, C-160 Transall transport aircraft, and EADS Harfang UAVs. The E-3 Sentry AWACS was not listed among the deployed assets.
The French forces suffered 9 fatalities during Operation Serval.
Answer: True
During Operation Serval, French forces sustained 9 fatalities and lost one Gazelle helicopter.
The Malian army reported 82 killed during Operation Serval.
Answer: True
The Malian army reported 82 soldiers killed during the course of Operation Serval.
Chad reported 38 soldiers killed during Operation Serval.
Answer: True
Among the allied forces, Chad reported 38 soldiers killed during Operation Serval, alongside casualties from other contributing nations like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Senegal.
Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, a key Islamist leader, was killed in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains.
Answer: True
During fighting in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains in February 2013, reports emerged of the death of Algerian Islamist leader Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, which was later confirmed.
The Battle of Dayet en Maharat resulted in a French victory against AQIM.
Answer: True
The Battle of Dayet en Maharat, fought in April 2014, concluded with a French victory where special forces neutralized approximately a dozen al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) fighters and rescued several hostages.
French forces recovered documents from Timbuktu that detailed AQIM's strategic organization.
Answer: True
Following the capture of Timbuktu, French forces discovered documents left behind by AQIM, which provided valuable insights into the organization's strategic planning and structure.
Operation Serval concluded with a French and Malian victory, enabling the start of Operation Barkhane.
Answer: True
Operation Serval concluded successfully, with French and Malian forces securing control of all major cities. This outcome paved the way for the subsequent Operation Barkhane, which extended counter-insurgency efforts across the Sahel.
The MNLA suffered approximately 17 killed and 60 wounded during Operation Serval.
Answer: True
During Operation Serval, the MNLA reported approximately 17 killed and 60 wounded combatants.
How many French soldiers were reported killed during Operation Serval?
Answer: 9
French forces sustained 9 fatalities during Operation Serval.
What was the estimated range for Islamic militant casualties (killed) during Operation Serval?
Answer: 600 - 1,000
Islamic militant casualties were estimated to be between 600 and 1,000 killed during Operation Serval.
Which prominent Algerian Islamist leader, known for his role in AQIM, was reportedly killed in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains?
Answer: Abdelhamid Abou Zeid
Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, a significant leader within AQIM, was reportedly killed in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains during operations in February 2013.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Dayet en Maharat in April 2014?
Answer: A French victory where French special forces neutralized militants and rescued hostages.
The Battle of Dayet en Maharat in April 2014 resulted in a French victory, with special forces neutralizing militants and successfully rescuing several hostages.
Which key militant leader fled to Algeria after Operation Serval?
Answer: Iyad ag Ghali
Key militant leaders, including Iyad ag Ghali, fled the country during or after Operation Serval; ag Ghali reportedly fled to Algeria.
What valuable intelligence did French forces recover from Timbuktu after its capture?
Answer: Documents detailing AQIM's strategic organization.
Following the capture of Timbuktu, French forces discovered documents that provided insights into AQIM's strategic organization.
What was the ultimate outcome of Operation Serval?
Answer: French and Malian forces secured all major cities, paving the way for Operation Barkhane.
Operation Serval concluded with French and Malian forces securing control of all major cities, which facilitated the subsequent launch of Operation Barkhane.
What was the stated reason for Operation Barkhane succeeding Operation Serval?
Answer: To continue counter-insurgency efforts in the Sahel region.
Operation Barkhane succeeded Operation Serval to continue and expand counter-insurgency efforts across the broader Sahel region.
What was the reported number of killed for the MNLA during Operation Serval?
Answer: 17
The MNLA reported approximately 17 killed during Operation Serval.
The French intervention in Mali was based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2085.
Answer: True
Operation Serval was undertaken following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2085, adopted on December 20, 2012, and in response to a formal request for assistance from Mali's interim government. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also noted that the French actions aligned with this resolution.
ECOWAS ordered the deployment of AFISMA in response to the French intervention.
Answer: True
In reaction to the French intervention, ECOWAS ordered the immediate deployment of its African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA).
A 2013 poll showed that a majority of Malians in Bamako approved of the French intervention.
Answer: True
A poll conducted in 2013 indicated substantial support for the French intervention among Malians in Bamako, with 96% of respondents expressing approval.
The UK's Operation Newcombe involved deploying RAF C-17s to transport French troops to Mali.
Answer: True
The United Kingdom's contribution, known as Operation Newcombe, included the deployment of RAF C-17 strategic transport aircraft to ferry French armored vehicles to Mali, alongside other logistical and advisory support.
The US provided ISR aircraft support from Niger during Operation Serval.
Answer: False
While the US Air Force provided significant support, including C-17 transport and aerial refueling, the source material indicates US ISR aircraft provided support from Burkina Faso, not Niger.
What UN Security Council resolution served as the basis for Operation Serval?
Answer: Resolution 2085
Operation Serval was undertaken following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2085, adopted on December 20, 2012.
How did the European Union react to the French intervention in Mali?
Answer: They accelerated preparations for their military training mission (EUTM Mali).
In response to the French intervention, the European Union accelerated preparations for its military training mission (EUTM Mali).
According to a 2013 poll, what percentage of Malians in Bamako approved of the French intervention?
Answer: 96%
A 2013 poll indicated that 96% of Malians surveyed in Bamako approved of the French intervention.
What specific support did the US Air Force provide using C-17 Globemaster III aircraft?
Answer: Transporting French troops and equipment.
The US Air Force utilized C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to establish an air bridge for transporting French troops and equipment to Mali.
Which of the following was NOT a country providing support to French and Malian forces?
Answer: Switzerland
Support for Operation Serval was provided by nations including Belgium, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates. Switzerland was not listed as a supporting country.