France Launches Operation Serval — Emergency Airstrikes Begin

President François Hollande authorizes Operation Serval within hours of Mali's request. French Mirage and Rafale jets begin immediate airstrikes across rebel-held territory from Gao to Léré, while ground troops are airlifted to Bamako. The operation ultimately deploys 4,500 troops, kills approximately 625 militants, and suffers only 7 French fatalities. It becomes France's most rapid decisive military action in Africa since independence.