5th Battle of Gao

Significance

The fifth battle of Gao in March 2013 demonstrated the continued capacity of the Malian army to hold the city against MUJAO pressure following the French-led intervention that had pushed Islamist groups from major northern population centers. The ability of a Malian force of 120–160 troops to repel the attack indicated that MUJAO retained offensive intent in the Gao area even as coalition operations sought to consolidate territorial gains, underscoring the persistent insurgent threat to towns nominally returned to government control during the 2013 campaign.

Forces & casualties