Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta reiterated that the United States would offer France air and logistical support, but would not send any ground troops to Mali.

An attempted attack on the Italian consul over the weekend raised concerns about the tenuous security situation in Libya, and in Benghazi in particular.

French defense officials said the country’s force would be increased gradually to 2,500 soldiers and called for Arab support to bolster the forces fighting insurgents.

Denis Mukwege, a gynecologic surgeon who has helped thousands of rape victims, arrived in Congo after more than two months in exile after an assassination attempt.

The takeover of Diabaly, a small town in central Mali, came just hours after the French foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, said his country’s intervention had blocked a rebel advance.

Africa’s nations have a responsibility to protect human rights and democracy.

Islamist terrorists want a lawless stronghold in West Africa.