French Troops to The Rescue in Mali

French troops in Mali

French soldiers have come to the rescue of Mali.

Mali has been dealing with Al Qaeda troops taking over the northern part of the country.

France has made it clear that they will not allow Al Qaeda to go any further.

Air power is suddenly a factor, and the French air force has pounded rebel forces.

Sweeping into the country the French army has placed themselves on the front lines, right with the troops of Mali.

They've already held off Al Qaeda attacks, and begun pushing them back.

Their aid has not come without cost, already a French helicopter pilot has been killed.

Spurred on by the French action, West African nations are speeding up their own plans to send troops, to their neighbor's aid.

The European Union also plans to speed up it's sending of troops to train Malian forces.

France and Mali are both asking the US to aid by sharing intelligence assets and by deploying drones.