The French op started as Operation Serval, it became Operation Barkhane
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Barkhane
Members of our local (French) Parachute Regiment, 1er R.C.P, have been rotated through the theatre several times over the last few years....From what I’ve heard from those who have been involved it is definitely not just a case of sitting in the sun and eating the cheese....