Opération Lamantin
Operation Lamantin (French for manatee) was a December 1977 - July 1978 military operation by France with the help of the Mauritanian government, in its war against Sahrawi guerrilla fighters of the Polisario Front. It supported independence for Western Sahara.
Airstrikes were launched in the provinces, but the results of the operation were not significant. France used Jaguar combat aircraft from Dakar Airbase. The bombings were targeted in the rail mines in Zouerat to the coast of Nouadhibou, which were blocked by Polisario.
References
Valery Giscard d'Estaing
1977 in Africa
1978 in Africa
Military of France
Mauritania
Wars involving Africa