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French Forces Enter Timbuktu

Rebels torch ancient manuscripts.

French-led troops in Mali entered the city of Timbuktu on Monday but have not yet seized control, according to the Associated Press. A French Army spokesman said that “substantial airpower” had been used to support the 1,000 French and 2,000 Malian forces in the offensive in Timbuktu, and they were encountering little resistance from the Islamists. However, Timbuktu’s mayor did indicate that the militants burned the homes of several civil servants and buildings that have housed ancient manuscripts for centuries. French troops seized control of the city of Gao on Saturday and expect to focus on Kidal, the last rebel stronghold, once Timbuktu is secured.