Airstrikes were launched in the provinces with the aim of stopping separatist raids in the rail route from the iron mines in Zouérat to the coast of Nouadhibou (the Mauritania Railway), and pushing them to release French hostages.
The air strikes targeted areas along the railway route from Zouerat's iron mines to Nouadhibou, aiming to disrupt separatist activities and secure the release of French hostages held by rebels.