France warns of intervention in Mali

The French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, said yesterday it was "probable" that foreign powers would intervene in Mali, where militants linked to al-Qa'ida control significant territory.

"At one moment or another there will probably be the use of force," Mr Fabius said. He noted that intervention would be African-led but supported by international forces.

Regional and Western governments have compared the situation to Afghanistan, as a mix of local and foreign Islamists have hijacked a rebellion by secular Tuareg separatists.