French, Malian forces take back Konna

Konna -- a central and strategic Malian town is now free of rebel fighters --- say French forces. The scars of air strikes and days of fighting are evident.

Burnt out cars are everywhere along with rubble. Many of the town's buildings are badly damaged --- at least those that are still standing --- some have been flattened almost completely.

Konna figures prominently into the military intervention in Mali --- its capture by Islamist fighters just over two weeks ago prompted Mali's call for international help.

French and Mali forces took Konna back and reportedly seized the airport in the rebel stronghold of Gao in northern Mali.