BREAKING NEWS

Islamist rebels torch Timbuktu manuscript library

By REUTERS

JANUARY 28, 2013 13:20

DAKAR - Islamist fighters fleeing Mali's ancient Saharan city of Timbuktu as French and Malian troops closed in set fire to a South African-funded library there containing thousands of priceless manuscripts, the city's mayor said on Monday.

"The rebels sit fire to the newly-constructed Ahmed Baba Institute built by the South Africans ... this happened four days ago," Halle Ousmane told Reuters by telephone from Bamako. He said he had received the information from his chief of communications who had traveled south from the city a day ago.

Ousmane was not able to immediately say how much the building had been damaged. French and Malian troops were securing the city on Monday.

The mayor said the Islamist rebels, who had occupied the fabled trading town since a Tuareg-led rebellion captured it on April 1 from government forces, also torched his office and the home of a member of parliament.

Australian Jewish Association welcomes reported strikes on Iran

By MICHAEL STARR

04/19/2024 06:19 AM

IDF Home Front Command: No change in the public safety directives

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/19/2024 06:02 AM

Pentagon chief Austin discusses Iran, Gaza aid with Gallant

By REUTERS

04/19/2024 03:29 AM

Russian air defence intercepts 25 airborne targets over Belgorod region

By REUTERS

04/19/2024 02:03 AM