French President Francois Hollande says French forces will "destroy" or take prisoner any rebels they encounter in Mali.

Asked what French forces will do when they encounter the rebels --- President Francois Hollande didn't mince words.

"Destroy them. Take them prisoner if that's possible and ensure that they won't be able to be a threat in the future. I have told you the aim is to stop the agression and to allow Bamako to be secured so that the authorities of Mali can be preserved and our nationals protected."

French forces have been carrying out air raids in the northern half of the country and are there to bolster the military in its fight against Islamist fighters. Many in the west fear Al Qaeda and its supporters could use the area to stage attacks on other parts of Africa as well as Europe.

France has vowed to remain in its former colony until it is "stable." Exactly what that means and how long it will take is still unclear.

On Tuesday, the White House also said they are considering offering logistical support to Paris. The UK has provided military cargo aircraft to help France.