Algeria is concerned about the latest development in violence-ridden Mail, the official APS news agency reported Saturday, quoting foreign ministry spokesman Amar Belani.

Belani said in a statement that Algeria strongly condemns the attacks by terror groups in Mali's central region of Mopti, further expressing support to the transitional Malian authorities.

The Algerian foreign ministry urged rebel groups "which respect the territorial integrity of Mali and are not linked to terrorism" to be committed to a political solution to the Malian crisis.

On Friday, French President Francois Hollande announced that French forces have launched military intervention in support of Malian troops countering Islamist rebels' offensive.

Latest reports showed that Mali's rebel groups had controlled the northern half of the country and are heading to the south. They have captured the strategic city of Konna, a central town of 50,000 people, some 700 km northeast of capital Bamako, putting Mali's sovereignty at risk.

The UN Security Council had agreed last month to authorize the African-led International Support Mission in Mali, with 3,300 soldiers deployed, to support the African country in its fight against terrorists and armed rebel groups.