The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. January 14, 2013 U.S. Backs French Bombing of Mali; 11 Civilians Reportedly Killed ------------------------------------------------------------------ France is in its fourth day of bombing areas of Mali in a bid to oust rebels that have held the country's north since March. The strikes have killed a reported 11 civilians, including three children fleeing the bombardment of a camp near the central town of Konna. France has launched the attacks in its former colony at the Malian government's request, backing troops from neighboring West African states who are arriving over the next few days. France's defense minister says the United States has "seconded" its intervention, reportedly providing intelligence as well as transportation and communications support. .