The Advanced Operating Base of Gao, in Mali, was hit by mortar fire by forces hostile to the French-led international coalition, which operates in the Sahel as part of theOperation Barkhane.
According to what is known about it Defense General Staff, Not there are Italian injuries and the staff is safe. The soldiers of the Italian contingent framed in the Task Force "Jacana", about 20 military personnel who are part of the staff of the Command and of the National Support Element seconded to Gao, are well and during the attack they took refuge in special bunkers that guarantee their safety. The situation is monitored in real time by the Interoperable Summit Operations Command - COVI. The Minister of Defense, Lorenzo Guerini, he has been constantly updated and has personally followed the evolution of the situation.
Takuba Task Force
About 200 militar Italians operate within the TF Takuba, guaranteeing medical evacuation capabilities of coalition personnel in operation through the use of the 3 CH 47 F transport aircraft of theArmy, in medevac configuration that make use of the necessary safety framework ensured by the 3 exploration and escort helicopters AH - 129D "Mangusta", of the 5th and 7th regiments of the Army Aircraft Brigade, framed in the Task Force “Jacana".
La TF Jacana, commanded by the Colonel of the Army, Andrew Carbonaro, also makes use of "Guardian Angel" rifle teams of the 66th Army Regiment which guarantee the safety of the CH 47Fs from the aircraft.
The Italian contribution is completed with the availability of a Role 1 pre-hospital capacity health structure, with a team that will ensure medical support for all coalition personnel and with the presence of the National Support Element.
Operation Barkane
Operation Barkhane kicks off in August 2014 from the national Serval operation, launched in emergency in January 2013 to deal with the advanced jihadists and rebels in Mali. The goal is to secure all G5 Sahel countries, essentially Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad, and is focused on fighting terrorist networks and transnational rebel movements.
UN mission MINUSMA
The UN MINUSMA mission (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) was decided with Resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 by the Security Council to support the political transition process and help stabilize Mali.
With Resolution 2364 of 2017, the UN Security Council unanimously extended until 30 June 2018.
By unanimously adopting Resolution 2164 of 25 June 2014, the Council also decided that the mission should focus on tasks, such as ensuring the security, stabilization and protection of civilians; support political dialogue and national reconciliation; assist in the reestablishment of state authority, the reconstruction of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
The UN Office in Mali (UNOM) has been absorbed by MINUSMA since 25 April 2013.
Since July 2013, MINUSMA has taken over from the African support mission to Mali (AFISMA).
The military component of MINUSMA, with an authorized force of over 13.000 men from 57 countries, consists of military observers, staff officers and personnel deployed in the main Malian cities including Kidal, Gao, Tomboctu, Mopti.
Misin mission
The Italian government has authorized the “Bilateral support mission in the Republic of Niger - MISIN"(With the geographical area of intervention also extended to Mauritania, Nigeria and Benin) in order to increase the capacities aimed at combating the phenomenon of illegal trafficking and security threats, as part of a joint European and US effort for the stabilization of area and the strengthening of territorial control capacities by the Nigerian authorities and the G5 Sahel countries.
MISIN, commanded by the pilot colonel of theair Force, Davide Cipelletti, is a bilateral mission intended to support the development of the Security Forces of the Republic of Niger to increase capacity to combat the phenomenon of illegal trafficking and security threats, as part of a joint European and US effort for the stabilization of the Sahel area. Since January 2018, the Italian contingent has provided 238 courses for over 5800 attendees.
MISIN, through its function CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation, civil-military collaboration) has also supported the Embassy of Italy in Niger in the donations of medicines, first reception facilities, health facilities and equipment for the prevention and treatment of the most common diseases in the country .
