France has carried out airstrikes in Mali to support government forces trying to stem advances by Islamist militants. Troops from Nigeria and Senegal also are in Mali to help government forces. Malian military officials say the attack has stopped the offensive by Islamist rebels. The rebels, who control all of the north of the country, had pushed south this week, taking the town of Konna. Malian military officials say government troops have now taken back the town. Mali's interim president, Dioncounda Traore, declared a national state of emergency Friday and called on every Malian to help in the war effort.