France launches military intervention in Mali against terrorists offensive

PARIS, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande announced on Friday that French forces have launched military intervention in support of Malian troops countering Islamist rebels' offensive.

"We are faced with a blatant aggression that is threatening Mali's very existence. France can not accept this," said the French head of state.

"I have decided that France will respond, together with our African partners, to the request from Malian authorities. We will do it strictly within the framework of a UN Security Council resolution," the president said, referring to motions adopted by the UN Security Council since the beginning of the crisis in Mali in March 2012.

Hollande's remarks came after Malian President Dioncounda Traore made a request to UN Security Council and Hollande, seeking for military aid from France countering the military movements and attacks by terrorist and extremist groups.

The UN Security Council had agreed last month to authorize the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA), with 3,300 soldiers deployed, to support the African country in its fight against terrorists and armed rebel groups.

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