Bamako, Mali (CNN) -- An effort to halt advancing militant Islamist forces has resulted in "many deaths" in northern Mali, a military spokesman said -- with the fatalities including Malian soldiers, insurgents and a French pilot killed in a helicopter raid. Mali is being joined by France -- its former colonial ruler, which recently sent troops there -- as it tries to beat back advances by forces linked to al Qaeda. Much action recently has focused in and around the key northern city of Konna, which insurgents took on Thursday only to retreat the following day after a combined air and ground assault.
@highlight
NEW: West African states to meet Wednesday to prepare for troop deployment
@highlight
An al Qaeda wing rooted in Mali's north has advanced, alarming many internationally
@highlight
France joins Malian forces in intervening, and a French pilot is killed in a raid
@highlight
France's president cheers military progress, but says "our mission is not over"
"@placeholder will do all it can to combat the jihadist groups who have launched this offensive in recent days."
"@placeholder, in this operation, is not pursuing any interest ... other than safeguarding a friendly country, and (France) does not have any goal other than fighting against terrorism," the French president said Saturday.