“France completed its Operation ‘Tudelle’ in Mali’s Ifoghas mountains, 500 km north of Gao and close to the Algerian border in early November. The operation saw a shift in both jihadist and French military tactics, while behind the scenes all the indications are that France’s military involvement in Mali is set for the long term.”
Source: France completes Operation Tudelle in northern Mali – IHS Jane’s 360