The UN Security Council has called for the "swift deployment" of an international force to Mali, BBC News reported.

The call comes after Islamist militants said they had entered the key central town of Konna, advancing further into government-held territory.

The UN has approved plans to send some 3,000 African troops to Mali to recapture the desert north, which is controlled by the militants.

Mali's president has asked the UN and France for help, diplomats say.

France - the former colonial power - would respond to the request on Friday, January 11 France's ambassador to the UN Gerard Araud said.

For logistical reasons the African force already approved by the UN was not expected to even begin its offensive before September or October.

The UN resolution also calls for peace talks between the government and local rebels, in an attempt to separate them from the foreign extremists.

These were set to begin this month but the renewed fighting threatens their chances of success.

Some European leaders have voiced concerns that jihadists could use Mali's vast Islamist-controlled area to launch attacks on Europe.