French defense minister says situation in Mali "evolving favorably"

PARIS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Monday said the situation in Mali is "evolving favorably."

As French forces carried out air strikes for the fourth consecutive day, Le Drian noted that "the evolution of the situation is in conformity with the president's orientation."

The minister said the Islamist rebels were blocked in eastern Mali but "extremely armed men made the west a difficult point for French forces."

Malian Islamist rebels launched a counter-offensive in the central town of Diabaly on Monday after four French Rafale fighter jets bombed their strongholds in northern Mali.

French President Francois Hollande announced Friday a sudden military intervention within U.N. resolution in the West African country to respond to Mali's request for military assistance to counter rebel groups' offensive.

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