On January 11, 2013; France intervened in Mali and launched Operation Serval. Paratroopers of the 1st and 2nd combat company of the 1er RCP were part of the first elements engaged in the conflict. Both combat companies were deployed within the regiment's "Guépard Alert". As of January 26, 2013; both combat companies lead the dispositif and illustrated their tactical capabilities and conquered the Niger river while taking over the airport and the bridge of GAO through an air assault raid. Shortly after, the paratroopers of the 1er RCP launched two air assault raids on February 2 at Kidal and February 8 at Tessalit to capture both airports. Subsequently, the paratroopers were engaged in the at the heart of the enemy's sanctuary where they confronted at short range in heavy combat, determined insurgents tightly attached to the terrain. The regiment imposed heavy casualties on the enemy, captured numerous prisoners and recouped a significant quantity of ammunitions. On March 2, 2013; one rapace (paratrooper) was killed by enemy fire and accordingly a new name would be subsequently inscribed on the regiment's memorial.