Third Battle of Gao

Significance

The Third Battle of Gao was a MOJWA raid on the city of Gao in February 2013, occurring during the broader French-led intervention in the Northern Mali Conflict. Malian government forces, supported by French troops, repelled the incursion. The engagement demonstrated that recaptured urban centers remained vulnerable to rebel counter-raids even after the initial momentum of the French-led offensive had driven insurgent forces from major northern towns. Commanders El Hadj Ag Gamou and Bernard Barrera led the defensive response against MOJWA forces under Hamada Ould Mohamed Kheirou. The defeat of the raid reinforced the continued Malian and French military presence required to hold recovered territory against MOJWA counteraction.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (3)