Monday, January 21, 2013

France sending VBCI's and an LHD to Mali.


Thanks Xavier for sending this to me.

If you want a good primer on the fighting in Mali then you will find no better spot than Naval Recognition.

A snippet of their coverage.
French Army VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicles have been loaded in the French Navy (Marine Nationale) Dixumde LHD Amphibious Assault Ship, Force Projection & Command Vessel at the Toulon naval base. The Dixmude will then sail off to West Africa to deploy the armored vehicles and French Army troops (two companies from 92th Infantry Regiment) in support to the current French operation in Mali named "Serval".
Anyone that thought that this was going to be a quick in and out bit of fighting was mistaken.

I fully expect the EU to become involved in this fight to a greater extent than even Afghanistan.  Generational warfare against Muslim extremist.  Sounds like a "protective" crusade doesn't it? 

3 comments :

  1. Thanks for the mention/post Solomon.

    Army Recognition keeps an up to date coverage of the operation at:
    http://www.armyrecognition.com/serval_opertaion_mali_french_army/index.php

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    Replies
    1. not a problem. you guys do good work and i love the site. i called this a meeting engagement between France and the Terrorist but I think a better description could be the start of the 2nd long war.

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  2. The US is joing the "coaltion":

    Meanwhile, an American military plane arrived in Bamako on Monday afternoon, broadening the international scope of the conflict. The aircraft will be used to transport the French military, a US military official said.

    "US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating under the control of US Africa Command began airlifting French army personnel and equipment to Bamako, Mali, from Istres, France, at the request of the French government," said the official. "The airlift mission will continue over the next several days."

    The deployment of the US aircraft adds to a lengthening list of western countries involved in the conflict in Mali, alongside French air and ground troops. The UK, Denmark, Canada and the US have all contributed logistical support for an unspecified time period.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/21/mali-french-seize-diabaly-rebels

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