Photo: AP

French Defense Minister Jean Yves Le Drian announced that the ultimate goal of military intervention in Mali is to regain control of Mali from Muslim rebels who are now occupying the north of Mali. Minister Le Derian indicated that the goal is to ensure AFISMA, African force can gain the upper hand in a French military intervention. Responding to the question whether French forces are going to Timbuktu in the North or not, Le Drian said that African forces can request France to intervenne when they reach Timbuktu if necessary. Mali forces have not yet seized back Diabaly city which was occupied by Muslim rebels a week ago and now it being bombed by French airplanes. French Foreign Ministry affirmed that the Mali army is approaching Diabaly with the help of land forces.