French troops in Mali mission

French forces have continued to launch air strikes against Islamist militants in Mali and sent troops to protect the capital, Bamako.

The French troops deployed on Friday after Mali's army lost control of a strategically important town.

The BBC's Andrew Harding said that it was unclear what would happen next, but that the US may be prepared to accelerate its involvement in the conflict.

This footage shows troops preparing for the military operation in nearby Chad.