Thursday 31 January 2013

MSAR presents its lease concept at NAVDEX 2013: One partner during the boat lifecycle

MSAR Ltd, an established specialist in aluminium boats for search & rescue and patrol operations, shall present a new lifecycle lease concept offered over a full range of services including; design, construction, leasing, training (to STCW 95 standards), maintenance and end-of-life recycling.

Elbit Systems and Windward Team to Introduce Advanced Maritime Surveillance Solution for India

Elbit Systems Ltd. has teamed with Windward Ltd. to offer integrated maritime solutions for the Indian authorities. The joint solution combines Windward’s innovative satellite-based maritime analytics system, MarInt, with Elbit Systems’ wide range of solutions for maritime domain awareness, including Hermes® 900 maritime patrol unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Venezuela takes delivery of more Russian-made Pechora 2M air defense missile system

Boats continue to arrive at the port of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, loaded with Russian-made weapons and military equipment for the Venezuelan armed forces. According to the local newspaper Notitarde, more than five boats arrived at the port during the month of January.
Russian-made Pechora 2M short range air defense missile system at military parade in Venezuela.
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ST Engineering Wins Newbuild Contract for Eight Naval Vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that the Group has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the design and build of eight new vessels. This new development attests to the Group’s core strength of providing integrated capabilities and solutions to support its customers.

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Israeli Air Force targets a convoy of SA-17 anti-aircraft air defense missile system in Syria

Israel launched an airstrike inside Syria, U.S. officials said Wednesday, January 30, 2013, targeting a convoy believed to contain SA-17 anti-aircraft air defense missile systems bound for Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. No official comment was made by the Israeli Defense Forces or by any Israeli official on this attack.
Israeli Air Force targets a convoy of SA-17 Russian-made air defense missile system in Syria.
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French armed forces have secured the town of Kidal last rebel stronghold in Mali

During the night from 29 to 30 January 2013, French troops have taken control of the airport in the northern Malian town of Kidal, the last rebel stronghold in the north, according to the French army and a local official.
French soldiers on armoured vehicle personnel carrier VAB on the way for Timbuktu.
Read More Operation Serval in Mali

Norwegian army purchases 62 LMV Light Multirole armoured vehicles of IVECO Defence Vehicles

Iveco Defence Vehicles announces that the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation (NDLO) has agreed to the procurement of a further tranche of 62 Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV). The LAV, internationally known as the Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV), is an adaptable, highly mobile vehicle featuring outstanding protection against mine, IED and ballistic attack, with a focus on delivering crew survivability.
LMV (LAV) Light Multirole Armoured 4x4 vehicle of Norwegian army.
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United Kingdom will sent 200 soldiers to Mali in a training role to aid the French Army

United Kingdom will sent about 240 troops to West Africa in a training role to aid the French-led mission against Islamist rebels in Mali, the government confirmed on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
A handout picture from the British Ministry of Defence shows a French VAB armoured vehicle personnel carrier being unloaded from a British Royal Air Force C-17 transport plane, which landed at Bamako airport, Mali.
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H-6U Unmanned Little Bird: Flexible autonomy from land and sea

The Unmanned Little Bird H-6U is neither your average rotorcraft nor your average unmanned airborne system (UAS). Unlike a traditional helicopter, it can fly without a pilot in the cockpit. And, contrary to its name, Unmanned Little Bird can be flown either fully or partially manned, making it an ideal platform to train users and flight-test UAS technologies.

Tuesday 29 January 2013

French armed forces have taken the control of the airport in Kidal

According to the website of the radio Voice of Russia, on Tuesday night, January 29, 2013 the French armed forces force in Mali assumed control over the airport of the city of Kidal, which has been under the radical Islamists’ control until recently. This has been confirmed by an official of the Touareg National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad.
In Timbuktu, a new airborne operation was made with air drop of French soldiers of the 17e RGP (17th Engineer Parachute Regiment), January 29, 2013.
Read More Operation Serval Mali

Successfully flight test for the Boeing GMD Ground-based Midcourse Defense missile system

Boeing [NYSE: BA], working with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and industry teammates, today returned the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system to testing with a successful flight. GMD is the United States' only defense against long-range ballistic missile threats.
Jan. 26, 2013 - The Missile Defense Agency successfully conducted a flight test of a three-stage Ground-Based Interceptor from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (Credit photo Boeing)
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After the capture of Timbuktu airport France continued to strengthen its military power in Mali

After the capture of the airport of Timbuktu and the city Gao by French armed forces Sunday and Monday, January 28, 2013, the two strategic locations are now strengthened by units of the Malian army. French Special Forces continue to secure the area around the Timbuktu airport to restore air traffic and for the support of ground forces.
French armed forces have seized Mali's desert city of Timbuktu in a lightning advance north as fleeing Islamists.

Thales delivers first MELTEM II CASA CN-235 maritime surveillance aircraft to Turkey

Thales has achieved delivery of the first of three maritime surveillance aircraft under the Meltem II programme for Turkey. This aircraft will be operated by the Turkish Coast Guard from Izmir Air Base. Pierre Eric Pommellet, Senior Vice-President of Thales Group, officially handed over the aircraft at a ceremony held at the Turkish Aerospace Industry (TAI) facility in Ankara.

Monday 28 January 2013

Iran will unveil production of new armoured vehicles and aircraft in the next few days

The Iranian Armed Forces plan to unveil its latest achievements in the production of armored vehicles, missiles and aircraft in the next few days, a senior Iranian military commander announced on Monday, January 28, 2013.
In September 2012, Iran has unveiled two new home-made armoured vehicles,
the Shenir-dar/Howeize and the Sarir/Talaeiyeh
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India to display its new Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile at military parade in New Delhi

India displayed its military strength on Saturday, January 26, 2013, while holding the 64th Republic Day parade in the capital, showing its new Agni-V intercontinental missile which is capable of striking targets some 6,000 km away. The highlight of the 100-minute parade was the nuclear-capable Agni-V ballistic missile, developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization.
Missile Agni-V is displayed during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.
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French paratroopers of 2e REP Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment were parachuted on Timbuktu

French army spokesman Colonel Thierry Burkhard has announced, on Monday morning, January 28, 2013, French soldiers of the 2e REP (2nd Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment) were parachuted into strategic points overnight to prepare the way for Malian forces to recapture Timbuktu from Islamist rebels.
French-led troops Saturday seized the airport and a key bridge serving the Islamist stronghold of Gao in a major boost to a 16-day-old offensive to rout Al Qaeda-linked rebels from Mali's sprawling desert north.
Read More Operation Serval Mali

Indian Navy, DRDO test K-15 (B05) submarine launched medium-range ballistic missile

The Indian Navy and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) conducted a successful fourteenth test of the new submarine launched ballistic missile K-15 (project name B05).

555 Tons Island installed on Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier

Huntington Ingalls Industries celebrated significant progress on January 26, 2013 as the 555-metric ton island was lowered onto the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at the company's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division. The island will serve as the command center for flight deck operations aboard the first of the next-generation class of aircraft carriers.

Malian and French troops have captured the airport of Timbuktu

Malian and French soldiers have captured Timbuktu airport, Sunday, January 27, 2013, as they continue to retake territory from al-Qaeda-linked rebels in northern Mali. A Malian military source said the French and Malian troops had met no resistance up to the gates of Timbuktu and controlled the airport. Positions around the airport Gao were reinforced by an armored unit of the 21st RIMa and African soldiers from Niger and Chad.
Positions around the airport Gao were reinforced by an armored unit of the 21st RIMa and African soldiers from Niger and Chad.

Sunday 27 January 2013

Iran starts mass production of new home-made air defense missile system Ya Zahra

The Iranian Defense Ministry started mass production of an advanced home-made air defense missile system. The production line of Ya Zahra air defense missile system was officially inaugurated on Sunday, January 27, 2013, in a special ceremony attended by Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi.
The production line of Ya Zahra air defense missile system was officially inaugurated on Sunday, January 27, 2013, in a special ceremony attended by Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi. (Credit photo IRNA)
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Successfully first test flight for the new Chinese large military transport aircraft Xian Y-20

China on Saturday, January 26, 2013, conducted a successful test flight of its new domestically made large military transport aircraft Y-20. The plane took off at around 2:00pm from an airport in Yanliang, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, according to CCTV News. (with Video)
New Chinese-made large military transport aircraft Y-20.

Air-land operations by French Army Special Forces and Malian troops to seize the city of Gao

Over the past 36 hours, the French armed forces involved in the operation Serval and many Malian troops have led air-land operations that helped seize the airport and the bridge in the city of Gao and destroy several Islamist terrorist groups.
A destroyed BTR-60 armoured personnel carrier of Islamist rebels near GAO, January 26, 2013.
Read More Operation Serval Mali

Saturday 26 January 2013

French forces have taken the control of the airport and key bridge in Gao

French forces have taken control of the airport and a key bridge in the radical Islamist stronghold of Gao, the French defense minister said Saturday, January 26, 2013, marking a significant inroad into the heart of territory held by the al-Qaida-linked extremists.
French army soldiers on ERC 90 armoured vehicle in Sevare.
Read More Operation Serval Mali

More than 600 vehicles and armoured of French Army on the way for Léré to conquest Timbuktu

French-led forces who had recaptured the town of Diabaly on Monday, January 21, 2013, were pushing towards the town of Lere with the aim of "taking control of Timbuktu" which lies further north. The French army launched a major offensive to capture the city of Timbuktu.
French army soldiers on VAB armoured vehicle personnel carrier near the city of Niono.
Read More Operation Serval Mali

British Royal Air Force will provide spy aircraft Sentinel R1 to support French Army in Mali

A surveillance aircraft Sentinel R1 from RAF (British Royal Air Force) Waddington has been sent to Mali Friday, January 25, 2013, to support France's military action there, the Ministry of Defence said. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the Sentinel R1 aircraft "has proved its worth in Libya and on an ongoing basis for counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan".
The Sentinel R1 spy plane is a modified business jet which uses radar to create accurate real-time images of what is happening on the ground.

French Navy Dixmude LHD sails off with a full load of reinforcement for Serval operation in Mali

Monday, January 21, 2013, French Navy Dixumde LHD (Mistral class) sailed off on alert from Toulon naval base. With a record (for the class) load of French Army troops, vehicles and equipment belonging to a battalion task force (JTF-battle group) the amphibious vessel contributes to the strengthening of the French military deployed in Operation Serval.

Malian and French troops ready for an offensive against the town of Gao in the next few days

Malian officials said government forces have recaptured Hombori, about 160 km southwest of Gao, on Friday, January 25, 2013, and add, an offensive against Gao could take place in the next few days. On Friday, January 25, 2013, Islamist extremists based in the Malian town of Ansongo destroyed a bridge near the Niger border, officials said.
The French troops based in Sévaré continue to support the Malian army with the help of ERC 90 Sagaie armoured vehicles, and strengthens their positions to prevent any offensive action of the Islamist rebels to the south of the country.
Read More Operation Serval Mali

Friday 25 January 2013

French and Malian soldiers have recaptured the northern town of Hombori

French-led Malian soldiers have recaptured the northern town of Hombori which leads to the Islamist stronghold of Gao, residents and security sources said on Friday, January 25, 2013. "At present, Malian and French soldiers are in Hombori. There are no longer any Islamists on the ground," a local teacher said. A Malian security source said the forces were proceeding towards Gao.
French forces with the 21e Marine Infantry Regiment and the 1° Foreign Legion Cavalry Regiment continued their advance towards the North of Mali.
Read More Operation Serval Mali

Rolls-Royce installs world’s most powerful gas turbine into HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has this week successfully completed the installation of the first MT30 gas turbine into the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard in Scotland.

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Russian Defense Ministry will not purchase any more Italian 4x4 armoured vehicles LMV

The Russian Defense Ministry will not purchase any more Italian light multirole vehicles (LMV), Ground Forces commander Vladimir Chirkin said on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. Almost all the Iveco LMVs that have been paid for have now been delivered and “we will not buy any more,” he said, explaining that the domestic manufacturer will be given priority.
Russian LMV Lynx multi-role 4x4 armoured vehicle at Engineer Technologies 2012 defence exhibition in Moscow.
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Bluefin Robotics to Deliver Knifefish UUV Variant to US Naval Research Laboratory

Bluefin Robotics, a leading provider of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), announced that they will produce a variation of the Knifefish UUV for the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Knifefish is a specialized Bluefin-21 UUV that is being developed for the Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (SMCM UUV) program for which Bluefin is under subcontract to General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. Bluefin completed the Knifefish Preliminary Design Review earlier this year and will leverage that design to deliver a system to NRL. The vehicle will be used to advance NRL’s low-frequency broadband (LFBB) payload technology and support their broader mission to advance basic and applied research in undersea warfare.

Boeing delivers first C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft to Air Force of India for flight test

Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Jan. 22 delivered -- on schedule -- the first of 10 C-17 Globemaster III airlifters for the Indian Air Force (IAF). India's first C-17 will now enter a U.S. Air Force flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, Calif. Boeing is on track to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Jan. 22 delivered -- on schedule -- the first of 10 C-17 Globemaster III airlifters for the Indian Air Force. The airlifter is shown here on its Jan. 11 first flight.
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France continues air strikes and deployment of ground forces around Diabaly and Sévaré in Mali

France has carried out air strikes during night of Thursday, January 24, 2013, on Asongo in Mali, just 80 kilmometres south of the Islamist stronghold of Gao. The capital Bamako has been secured, but the rebels still hold the major northern towns of Timbuktu and Gao.
France has carried out air strikes during night of Thursday, January 24, 2013, on Asongo in Mali.
Read More Operation Serval Mali

Thursday 24 January 2013

Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 NFH Helicopter first operational deployment for Somalia Mission

The newest helicopter of the Dutch Armed Forces, the NH90 is aboard HNLMS De Ruyter Frigate on its way to Somalia. It is the first overseas mission for the maritime helicopter. The NH90 will provide an important contribution to the EU anti-piracy mission Atalanta.

Raytheon, US Navy demonstrate new dual targeting capability for JSOW C-1

The U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated the dual targeting capability of Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C-1. Two recent tests during the program's integrated test phase prove the weapon can engage challenging stationary targets. Previous testing in the integrated test phase demonstrated JSOW C-1's capability against moving maritime targets.

First Underway Replenishment for French Navy's newest Frigate: FREMM Aquitaine

On January 22, 2013 French Navy Frigate Aquitaine, first ship in the new class of FREMM Frigates conducted her first Underway Replenishment (UNREP)/Replenishment at Sea (RAS) while participating in a naval exercise involving two more Frigates and a Durance class AOR.

Italy to send two C-130 transport aircraft and one 767 refueling plane to support French Army in Mali

Italy said on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, that it will send three planes to Mali to help support French and Malian troops battling Islamist rebels after parliament gave the green light for a two- to three-month logistical mission.
C-130J of Italian Air Force
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Cassidian's new TRS-4D naval radar passes factory acceptance test for German F125 class Frigates

The German Navy's F125 class frigates will be equipped with Cassidian's newly developed TRS-4D naval radar, which will provide them with reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities that are unique worldwide. Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has now successfully passed the first factory acceptance test for the radar system carried out by the customers, the German procurement authority BAAINBw and Blohm + Voss Naval. The first unit, which will equip a land-based system in Wilhelmshaven, is planned to be delivered next month. The first TRS-4D for the "Baden-Württemberg" lead ship is scheduled for delivery in August.

French army could send 4 main battle tanks Leclerc to support military operations in Mali

French Air Force continue air strikes against Islamist ground targets near Diabaly and Konna. According to information from the newspaper website LesEchos;fr, France could deploy four Leclerc main battle tanks to strengthen military operations in Mali. 
French Army 4x4 armoured vehicle personnel carrier VAB on the road between Markala and Diabaly
Read More Operation Serval Mali


Wednesday 23 January 2013

Iran will unveil new defense equipment during ceremonies celebrating the Islamic Revolution

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi announced that his ministry would display several defense achievements in the next few days. Vahidi said new achievements will be unveiled during the Ten-Day Dawn ceremonies from January 31 to February 10, celebrating the victory of the Islamic Revolution back in 1979.
Iranian Defense Minister General Ahmad Vahid in the center during a military parade in Tehran
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Cassidian Optronics will supply new thermal imaging unit for Leopard 2 tanks of German army

Cassidian Optronics GmbH, previously known as Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH, will supply the new “Attica” thermal imaging unit for the commander’s periscope in the Bundeswehr’s Leopard 2 battle tanks.
German Leopard 2A6 main battle tank
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Chinese Armed Forces launch new combat training for new attack helicopters Z-10 and Z-19

Chinese Armed Forces launch a new combat training program with new attack helicopters WZ-10 and WZ-19. An army aviation brigade under the Nanjing Military Area Command (MAC) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organizes a helicopter flight training, in a bid to temper the tactical skills of the pilots and the helicopter operation-and-control capability.
An army aviation brigade under the Nanjing Military Area Command (MAC) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organizes a WZ-10 helicopter flight training, in a bid to temper the tactical skills of the pilots and the helicopter operation-and-control capability. (Xinhua/Guo Weihu).
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Chadian soldiers join French and African troops to support Operation Serval in Mali

A column of Chadian soldiers moved north from Niger’s capital Niamey on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, to join French and African forces battling to free northern Mali from the grip of armed Islamic groups.
Chadian soldiers on light jeep. (Archive image)
Read More Operation Serval Mali.

ReconRobotics Throwbot XT

Tuesday 22 January 2013

France increases its military power in Mali with Tiger helicopters and CAESAR 155m howitzers

France has decided to further increase its military power for the operation Serval in Mali. Since Sunday, January 21, 2013, the 92° Infantry Regiment of French Army equipped with the latest generation of armored infantry fighting, the VBCI is on the way to Mali by sea. According to some unconfirmed French sources, the 68e artillery regiment equipped with 155mm self-propelled gun CAESAR had received orders to prepare a deployment to Mali.
A Malian soldier holds a heavy machine gun near Markala, 270km north of Bamako.
Read More Operation Serval in Mali

Sillinger takes part of Libyan military forces’ reorganization, signing a contract of 50 rigid inflatable boats.

Paris, January 21st 2013 - Good news for Sillinger, based in Mer (Loir-et-Cher – France), the company starts the year by signing a contract of 50 boats for the Libyan Military Forces. This contract includes rigid inflatable boats from 3.80 meters to 12 meters, offering on-board hightech equipments. A great exporting deal for Sillinger which has just celebrated its 50 years of existence.

Meet organizers of Eurosatory 2014 Defence & Security Exhibition and Tradeshow at IDEX 2013

Every 2 years, the entire land and air-land Defence and Security industry and market meet during the Eurosatory tradeshow.Upcoming events: 16 to 20 June 2014, Paris - France. Meet organizers of Eurosatory 2014 at IDEX 2013 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Eurosatory, the Entire Land and Air-land Defence & Security
Industry and Supply Chain
Read More IDEX 2013 Online Show Daily News

Photonis USA world leader in night vision innovation introduces NOCTURN low-light CMOS camera

PHOTONIS USA, the world-leading expert in night vision innovation, introduces NOCTURN, a brand new digital extreme low-light CMOS camera. The NOCTURN camera is especially designed for high performance under both daylight and low-light level conditions.
The NOCTURN is a rugged low-light camera module that features high-definition resolution, high sensitivity and high dynamic range with low power consumption.
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Faun Trackway launchs its new Light Weight Vehicle Recovery Mats LVRM

FAUN TRACKWAY USA INC, the leading manufacturer of portable roadways and runways, is enhancing its portfolio of ground mobility systems with the launch of Light Weight Vehicle Recovery Mats (LVRM). A lightweight woven matting that weighs just 9lb, the LVRM provides a recovery solution for vehicles of up to 10 tonnes that have become bogged down.
The LVRM provides a recovery solution for vehicles of up to 10 tonnes that have become bogged down.
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United Kingdom sends 20 soldiers of Special Forces SAS and intelligence drones Reaper to Mali

Britain is to send spy planes, unmanned drones and special forces to Mali to ‘find and dismantle’ the Al Qaeda network behind the slaughter in Algeria. In an escalation of the UK’s support for French forces fighting the militants in the African country, David Cameron said he would commit ‘intelligence and counter terrorism assets’.
A Reaper MQ-9 UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) based at Creech Air Force Bace, Nevada, USA prepares for a training mission over the west coast of America. (Credit photo British MOD)
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Royal Malaysian Navy orders Rheinmetall optronics and FCR for its future Gowind Corvettes

Rheinmetall will be equipping Malaysia with a total of twelve fire control radars (TMX/EO Mk2) and six electro-optical systems (TMEO Mk2) for six new patrol boats. This is a breakthrough order for a new generation of high-performance systems whose basic components were all developed by Rheinmetall.

French troops have recaptured cities of Diabali and Douentza now under control of Malian troops

The French Ministry of Defence confirmed that the cities of Diabaly and Douentza are now under the control of the Malian troops since Monday morning, January 21, 2013. Malian armed forces supported by the French soldiers based in Niono and Mopti-Sévaré have recaptured the cities. Cities occupied by the Islamist rebels are located respectively from 400 and 800 km northeast of the capital Bamako. (New with interactive combat map situation)
The French Ministry of Defence confirmed that the city of Diabaly is now under the control of the Malian troops with the help of French soldiers since Monday morning, January 21, 2013.
Read More Operation Serval Mali