French President Francois Hollande announced on Friday that French forces have launched military intervention in support of Malian troops countering extremist rebels’ offensive.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius speaks during a press conference in Paris, France, on Jan. 11, 2013. Fabius said Friday that France has sent troops to help Mali stop the advance of Islamist rebels. (Xinhua)

French President Francois Hollande announced on Friday that French forces have launched military intervention in support of Malian troops countering extremist rebels' offensive.

"We are faced with a blatant aggression that is threatening Mali's very existence. France cannot accept this," said the French head of state.

"I have decided that France will respond, together with our African partners, to the request from Malian authorities. We will do it strictly within the framework of a UN Security Council resolution," the president said, referring to motions adopted by the UN Security Council since the beginning of the crisis in Mali in March 2012.

Hollande's remarks came after Malian President Dioncounda Traore made a request to UN Security Council and Hollande, seeking for military aid from France countering the military movements and attacks by terrorist and extremist groups.

The UN Security Council had agreed last month to authorize the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA), with 3,300 soldiers deployed, to support the African country in its fight against terrorists and armed rebel groups.

Latest reports showed that Mali's rebel groups had controlled the northern half of the country and are heading south, which caused UN's grave concern.

The Security Council met on Thursday, calling on member states to "assist the settlement of the crisis and, in particular, to provide assistance to the Malian Defense and Security Forces in order to reduce the threat posed by terrorist organizations and associated groups."

The French president said UN Security Council resolutions meant France's action is in accordance with international laws. He confirmed that the French troops' engagement in the military operation in Mali "will last as long as necessary.”