A French soldier holds his weapon in the village of Sarakala, Mali, January 18, 2013.

Goats walk past a French military convoy refuelling in Markala, Mali, January 18, 2013.

People cross a strategic bridge over a dam on the Niger River secured by French forces in Markala, Mali, January 18, 2013.

A Malian soldier checks the identity of people crossing a strategic bridge over a dam on the Niger River secured by French forces in Markala, Mali, January 18, 2013.

French military vehicles drive to the north of Mali, at an undisclosed location, January 16, 2013. (French Army Communication Audiovisual Office)

French helicopters are towed to the military side of Bamako's airport, Mali, January 16, 2013.

A motorcyclist waves his support as French troops in two armored personnel carriers drive through Mali's capital Bamako on the road to Mopti, January 15, 2013.

French soldiers walk past a hangar they are staying at the Malian army air base in Bamako, January 14, 2013.

French soldiers test equipment at the Malian air base in Bamako, January 14, 2013.

French air force technicians work on a Mirage F-1 fighter jet at the Malian army air base in Bamako, January 14, 2013.

A French soldiers lies on his mattress in a hangar at the Malian army air base in Bamako, January 14, 2013.