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.