[5] In 2012, amid unprecedented civil unrest, rebel groups — including Islamist militants with links to Al-Qaeda — began to violently take control of northern parts of Mali.

[6] In January 2013, Ansar Dine Islamists ran the Malian Army out of the city of Konna, which is situated 600 kilometres (370 mi) northeast of the capital Bamako.

[7] Following a request for military assistance from Mali, France launched Operation Serval and began targeting Islamist militants in the north of the country.

[7][8] France requested assistance from other countries, including the United Kingdom, and following a phone call between British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President François Hollande, the UK agreed to contribute "very limited strategic tactical support" with no personnel deployed in a combat role.

[20] In 2019, the UK announced its intention to deploy 250 military personnel to Gao in 2020 as peacekeepers in support of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

[22] Additionally, the Light Dragoons and The Royal Anglian Regiment prepared to deploy as the 250-strong peacekeeping force announced previously in support of MINUSMA.

[24] During a four-month tour between May–July 2020, British Chinook helicopters took part in several intensive operations, including a series of company-sized airlifts of French Army units.

One phase of the operation saw a Chinook flying during the night alongside French Caiman helicopters to insert over 130 troops for a clearance patrol before returning them back to Gao 36 hours later.

[25] In November 2020, 300 British troops from the Light Dragoons and the Royal Anglian Regiment arrived in Mali to undertake their MINUSMA peacekeeping mission.

The junta also sought the support of the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organisation which has been accused of human rights abuses and war crimes.

[29] British forces remained in the country in support of UN peacekeeping duties until 14 November, when Defence Minister James Heappey announced a withdrawal.