Islamists destroy Timbuktu world heritage site

Mausoleums of saints in the Unesco-listed city of Timbuktu, Mali, were destroyed by Islamists using Kalashnikovs and pick-axes.

The act, which shocked numerous locals, by the al-Qaida-linked Ansar Dine was committed days after Timbuktu was placed on Unesco’s list of heritage sites in danger.

The sites were surrounded by around 30 armed Islamists in pick-up trucks as witnesses watched unable to do anything.

The Islam group, Ansar Dine, had already destroyed the mausoleums of three local saints and at least seven tombs leaving the cemetery bare.

The shrines of the local Sufi version of Islam are considered to be idolatrous by Ansar Dine which strictly follows sharia law.