Northern Mali - Abc News Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Islamist Rebels Continue Timbuktu Rampage

Updated July 02, 2012 05:48:43

Islamist rebels throughout northern Mali have got carried on their attacks with Muslim shrines while in the early city with Timbuktu.

Fighters from this Ansar Dine group, that adjustments high of northern Mali , have vowed that will harm most shrines within the city, irrespective of international condemnation.

Rebels went on hoes as well as chisels to tombs regarding early Muslim saints, indicating they were performing from the title with God.

On Saturday that Islamists destroyed your tombs involving Sidi Mahmoud, Sidi Moctar along with Alpha Moya, along with on Sunday these people bombarded Cheikh el-Kebir's mausoleum because people stood by way of helplessly.

Mali's federal in addition to the particular global town possess expressed horror along with outrage in the destruction involving personal gifts inside fabled city, a historical wilderness crossroads and also centre with learning generally known as this "City associated with 333 Saints".

Last week, UNESCO placed Timbuktu on its endangered listing due to carrying on with physical violence while in the country's north.

The rebels, that seized town after a coup inside March, will be looking to impose sharia rules and also consider the shrines for being idolatrous.

Mali's way of life minister Fadima Diallo possesses identified as about the UN to help you secure the city.

A UNESCO official explained the actual exploitation in the shrines as "tragic news" and the International Criminal Court informed that rebels' marketing campaign seemed to be a warfare crime.

"My principles for you to individuals involved throughout these types of offender acts is definitely clear: halt this break down in the spiritual homes now," ICC fundamental prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said.

"This is often a warfare offense which often my office possesses expert for you to totally investigate."

In neighbouring Niger, there is certainly around growing disquiet regarding the particular rebellion on it is doorstep, along with tens of thousands connected with men and women fleeing around the particular border within recent months.

ABC/AFP

Topics: , mali

First posted July 01, 2012 22:14:03