"Operation Serval" was a military intervention launched by France in January 2013 to combat Islamist militants in Mali. The operation aimed to restore stability and support the Malian government after extremist groups took control of northern regions, threatening the country's sovereignty and security. The intervention involved airstrikes and ground troops, with the goal of recapturing key cities and regions from the militants. It was part of a broader effort to address terrorism in the Sahel region and was later succeeded by Operation Barkhane, which aimed to maintain security and support regional forces.