French army begins operations in Mali

The French air force carried out an air strike in Mali on Friday in support of government forces trying to push back Islamist rebels, Al-Arabiya cites French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius as saying.

The raid came as France launched a military intervention in the west African state to help the government resist a push south by rebel forces.

Western powers fear the alliance of al-Qaeda-linked militants that seized the northern two-thirds of Mali in April will seek to use the vast desert zone as a launchpad for international attacks.

"French forces brought their support this afternoon to Malian army units to fight against terrorist elements," French President Francois Hollande told reporters, according to Reuters. "This operation will last as long as is necessary."

Hollande said United Nations Security Council resolutions meant France was acting in accordance with international laws.