Meet the Long Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) on Op Newcombe in Mali

Most have heard of Timbuktu but may not be aware that the ancient city is in the centre of Mali, where terrorist violence is sharply on the rise.

The situation in Mali is complex. In 2012 an armed conflict broke out when rebel forces consisting of Al-Qaeda-linked affiliates attempted to form a new state in the north of the country.

As a result, France launched military operations in 2013 to restore peace and stability. The UK Armed Forces have contributed to the peacekeeping security operations there since.

Combat is not the objective of the deployment. The Long Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) performs a crucial role within the UN mission. Conducting reconnaissance and patrol tasks, to gathering intelligence and engaging with the local Malian people.