They were driven out by French forces days later , the start of a French - led military intervention known as Operation Serval .
In January 2013 , the Islamists captured the town of Konna in Central Mali , after fierce fighting with Malian forces .
Islamists were driven out by French forces days later , the start of a French - led military intervention known as Operation Serval .
In January 2013 , the Islamists captured the town of Konna in Central Mali , after fierce fighting with Malian forces .