Operation Serval
In January 2013, the "BBC" reported that the RAF supported Operation Serval- the French-led operation against Islamist militants in Mali. The UK's contribution was codenamed Operation Newcombe, C-17 Globemasters from No. 99 Squadron transported French armoured vehicles from French Évreux Air Base to Bamako. The "BBC" also reported that the RAF deployed a Sentinel R1 aircraft at the request of the French for surveillance support.