Hollande: French Forces Will 'Destroy' Mali Rebels

French President Francois Hollande says French forces will "destroy" Rebels

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These are just some of the hundreds of French soldiers now on the ground in Mali. Their numbers are expected to swell to 2500 by the end of the week.

Asked what French forces will do when they encounter the rebels --- President Francois Hollande didn't mince words.

[President Francois Hollande]:
"Destroy them. Take them prisoner if that's possible and ensure that they won't be able to be a threat in the future. I have told you the aim is to stop the agression and to allow Bamako to be secured so that the authorties of Mali can be preserved and our nationals protected."

French forces have been carrying out air raids in the northern half of the country and are there to bolster the military in its fight against Islamist fighters. Many in the west fear Al Qaeda and its supporters could use the area to stage attacks on other parts of Africa as well as Europe.

The rapid buildup of forces in the African country also has some worried about the impact on civilians.

Scott Edwards of Ammnesty International believes its time to send international monitors.

[Scott Edwards, Spokeperson Amnesty International]:
"This isn't just risk posed by indiscriminate bombing but Amnesty has documented over the course of the fighting in northern Mali sexual violence, rape of women and children, torture, arbitrary arrests, extra-judicial executions. If there is any hope that civilians aren't going to be bear the brunt of the security operations we have to have monitors in place and it has to bone with very much urgency."

France has vowed to remain in its former colony until it is "stable." Exactly what that means and how long it will take is still unclear.

On Tuesday, the White House also said they are considering offering logistical support to Paris.