Timeline of French-Led Mali Military Intervention A timeline of the French-led military intervention in Mali, which is now in its second week: Jan. 10 - Islamists push south and seize the central Malian town of Konna, marking the furthest south they have ventured since taking control of northern Mali's main cities following a March 2012 coup in Bamako, the capital in Mali's south. Jan. 11 - France launches a military operation in Mali to oust the armed Islamist extremists. French President Francois Hollande vows that the operation will last "as long as necessary." Jan. 12 - Nations in West Africa authorize the deployment of troops to Mali, fast-forwarding a military intervention that was not due to start until September. Jan. 14 - The Islamists seize Diabaly, a town even further south than Konna. Jan. 17 - First West African forces arrive in Mali to the aid the French-led intervention. Jan. 18 - Malian authorities say Konna has been retaken from the Islamists. Jan. 21 - French and Malian forces control the town of Diabaly after Islamists flee following French air strikes.