Operation Barkhane rebellion against the central Malian government was exploited by Islamist groups who gained control over the northern half of the country. In response, France launched a military operation in January 2013 to stop the Islamist offensive from toppling the Malian government and to re-capture Northern Mali. The operation, codenamed Operation Serval, ended in the complete re-capture of all Islamist held territory by the operations conclusion on the 15 July 2014. Following the end of Operation Serval, France recognised the need to provide stability in the wider Sahel region by helping the region's various governments combat terrorism. The French defense minister,
James S. Robbins He serves on the Advisory Board of the National Civil War Museum. James S. Robbins James S. Robbins (born 1962) is a commentary writer for "USA Today" and Senior Fellow for National Security Affairs on the American Foreign Policy Council. He is the award-winning former Senior Editorial Writer for Foreign Affairs at the "Washington Times", an author, political commentator and professor, with an expertise in national security, and foreign and military affairs. He also served as special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His books include "The Real Custer: from Boy General to Tragic Hero" (2014), "Native