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The French air force has performed its first operational flight using an A400M tactical transport, delivering 22 tonnes of supplies for Operation Serval in northern Mali. On the same flight was French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who warned that although Mali was almost secure, continued vigilance was needed. He said France would continue to back up Malian and MINUSMA forces "for as long as it takes" and that "we are all preparing to move towards a regional approach" as "the threat of destabilization is everywhere." He plans to return on Jan. 20 to sign a military accord between France and Mali.