France’s aerial attacks on Mali expand as aid groups warn of risks to civilians

French forces expanded air assaults in Mali today, from the north into the central region of the country. Despite the stepped up bombardment, rebels advanced on the town of Diabaly in a march toward the capital, according to France’s defense minister and media reports from the area. France has deployed more than 500 troops in the country, most of them in Bamako, the capital to the south. France began the assault last Friday, warning that some of the militant groups in the north of the country had ties to Al Qaeda and threatened the region. The US said it is considering sending drone surveillance and intelligence to support the effort. Last month, the Security Council authorized a one year military mission led by African forces in the country and the Council took up the issue again today. As the military situation escalates, aid groups warned of more people displaced by the fighting and disruption in access to the limited medical services in the region. For more, we’re joined by Dr. Greg Elder, deputy director of operations for Doctors without Borders. He joins us from Paris.