Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) infantry platoon ESTPLA-32, has arrived at the military base in Gao, Mali to take over form the counterparts. EDF is part of Operation Barkhane, the French-led anti-insurgent mission in Africa’s Sahel region.
Operation Barkhane’s objective is to support the governments of the Sahel region countries of Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad in their fight against Islamic terrorists. Estonia has at least 50 members of the EDF serving in Gao, Mali
Africa’s Sahel region has been battling various terror organization from Boko Haram, ISWAP, Islamic State, local jihadists affiliated to IS as well as Al Qaeda that are spread across the region. The UK is also supporting the operation with transport helicopters, and Spain with an air force component.
