According to French Defence Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, the main objective of Operation Barkhane is counter-terrorism: „The aim is to prevent what I call the highway of all forms of traffics to become a place of permanent passage, where jihadist groups between Libya and the Atlantic Ocean can rebuild themselves, which would lead to serious consequences for our security.“ French President, François Hollande, has said the Barkhane force will allow for a „rapid and efficient intervention in the event of a crisis“ in the region.

The operation will target Islamist extremists in Mali, Chad and Niger, and will have a mandate to operate across borders.

The French force will be a 3,000-strong counter-terrorism force with 1,000 soldiers indefinitely in Mali.