French aircraft at Bamako Airport, Mali

BAMAKO AIRPORT, MALI-JANUARY 18, 2013: As part of the effort to “liberate” Mali from Islamist militants, some 2,000 French troops landed at Bamako-Senou International Airport more than a week ago in support of the Malian army, and that number could grow to 2,500 by the end of January. The Bamako-Senou airport has been transformed into the hub for military and logistical operations. More than one hundred sorties have already been flown, and recent imagery reveals the presence of French aircraft, including Mirage F1 CR and Mirage 2000D fighter jets, as well as Gazelle and Super Puma attack helicopters. A number of Western countries have also sent large transport aircraft, such as C-130s and C-17s, to assist the French-led effort. (Photo DigitalGlobe via Getty Images via Getty Images)