France continues air strikes with Rafale fighter aircraft against Islamist rebels in Mali 1301131.

France first intervened Friday, January 11, 2013, dropping bombs and firing rockets from helicopter gunships and jet fighters after the Islamists, who already control the north of Mali, pressed southward and overran the village of Konna, which had been the de facto line of government control. French officials said the attacks had pushed the rebels back from Konna and destroyed a rebel command center, though it was unclear if Malian forces controlled the village.

France and the United States aim to assist African and Malian troops to restore government authority in the north by providing surveillance and intelligence, including the use of spy planes and drones, as well as by helping with logistics and the transport of troops and equipment.

French aircraft pounded Islamist rebels in Mali Saturday, January 12, 2013, killing up to 100 rebel fighters, according to a senior army officer in the capital Bamako.

A French pilot died on Friday, January 11, 2013, when his helicopter was shot down near the central Mali town of Mopti.