According to military sources and witnesses, more than 100 people, including rebels and government soldiers, were killed during an air assault by French forces. Msnbc's Thomas Roberts reports. By Alastair Jamieson, Staff writer, NBC NewsNews analysis
Once characterized as a nation of "surrender monkeys," France's decision to put boots on the ground in Mali to battle Islamist insurgents will surprise some.
In what threatens to be a lengthy and dangerous campaign, Friday's sudden military action marked an urgent escalation in the regional conflict.
Faced with the prospect of Mali falling into the hands of jihadists — including some who boast links to al-Qaida — French Mirage and Rafale jets spent the weekend bombarding rebel strongholds while 550 of the country's troops battled militants.
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