France says has begun military intervention in Mali
Worldwide, Daily news | ankakh | January 12, 2013 19:12
France said it launched a military operation in Mali on Friday to help the government there stem a push southwards by Islamist rebels who control much of the north, in a turnaround from its earlier stance against intervention by its forces.
President Francois Hollande said a surge by the rebels into new territory this week had heightened the security situation and prompted France, backed by the U.N. Security Council and West African nations, to respond to a plea for help from its former colony.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said he would not reveal strategic details of the intervention – such as whether French troops were on the ground – while it was ongoing so as to limit the rebels’ knowledge of the operation but he confirmed that French forces carried out an air strike.
“The situation had deteriorated seriously in the last few days. The rebels decided to move south with the apparent goal of taking over all of Mali to install a terrorist state,” Fabius told a news conference.
“We must stop the rebels’ offensive otherwise the whole of Mali will fall into their hands, creating a threat for Africa and even for Europe.”
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