Operation Serval Operation Serval Operation Serval () was a French military operation in Mali. The aim of the operation was to oust Islamic militants from the north of Mali, who had begun a push into the center of Mali. Operation Serval followed the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2085 of December 20, 2012 and an official request by the Malian interim government for French military assistance. The operation ended on July 15, 2014, and was replaced by Operation Barkhane, launched on August 1, 2014 to fight Islamist fighters in the Sahel. Three of the five Islamic leaders, Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, Abdel Krim
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