France's air force launched fresh strikes against Islamist rebel group Ansar Dine in Mali this week. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters on Sunday that the raid has entered its 3^rd day, warning strikes it will continue until the rebels withdraw.

Women hold banners urging national talks in Mali in the capital Bamako (Photo: Reuters)

The support of the French air force has enabled the Malian army to regain control of the central town of Konna and repel Islamist gunmen from the town of Mopti and another town on the road to capital Bamako. Mopti, an important gateway to the South, is still under Government’s control, while the rebels control much of the North since a coup last March.