In January 2012, an armed conflict broke out in northern Mali, which Tuareg rebels took control of by April and declared the secession of a new state, Azawad. The conflict was complicated by a military coup that took place in March and later fighting between Tuareg and Islamist rebels. In response to Islamist territorial gains, the French military launched Opération Serval in January 2013. A month later, Malian and French forces recaptured most of the north. Presidential elections were held on 28 July 2013, with a second round run-off held on 11 August, and legislative elections were held on 24 November and 15 December 2013. COUNT 5
QSN1 What area of Mali did conflict arise in January of 2012? ANS1 northern Mali QSN2 What were the rebels named in the conflict of 2012? ANS2 Tuareg rebels QSN3 What was the name that the rebels declared as a new state? ANS3 new state, Azawad QSN4 What country sent military in response to terrorism in 2013? ANS4 French military QSN5 On July 28 2013 what type of elections were held? ANS5 Presidential elections