"French military forces have brought their support to the Malian forces this afternoon to fight against these terrorist elements," said Hollande, speaking from the Elysee Palace in Paris "This operation will last as long as it is necessary. I will regularly inform the French people about its course." It is not immediately known how many French troops are deployed in the country. But French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said the French military has launched airstrikes. http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/11/world/africa/mali-france/?hpt=hp_t1
I think the French are going to try and get Al Queda to chase them into another country where there is a real military to deal with them.
"The fighting lasted for not more than two, maybe three hours; Konna was recaptured with the assistance of French, Nigerian and Senegalese troops this afternoon," said Kone. "All measures were used, including the drones given by France." http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/11/world/africa/mali-france/index.html