French Soldiers Fighting on the Streets of Malian Town

Trying to push militants out of Diabali

In Mali street battles are said to have been taking place between French special forces and Islamist militants in the town of Diabali, which fell into rebel hands on Monday.

Reports say French troop reinforcements have been arriving in the zone where jihadist groups are active.

French and Malian soldiers have been heading north from Bamako, the African country's capital, as the ground operation gets underway.