France carried out an air strike in Mali on Friday in support of government forces trying to push back Islamist rebels who control much of the north, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius announced. The raid came as France launched a military intervention in the Mali to help the government resist a push south by rebel forces. "French forces brought their support this afternoon to Malian army units to fight against terrorist elements," French President Francois Hollande told reporters. "This operation will last as long as is necessary." Hollande said United Nations Security Council resolutions meant France was acting in accordance with international laws.