Timbuktu Freed From Islamist Fighters

NPR | Jan. 29, 2013 5:36 a.m. | Updated: Jan. 29, 2013 9:11 a.m.

Contributed By:

Ofeibea Quist-Arcton

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In the West African nation of Mali, residents of Timbuktu were cheering in the streets Monday, after the city was liberated by French and Malian forces after months under the harsh rule of Islamist fighters. In a final act of cultural warfare before fleeing Timbuktu, the rebels are reported to have set fire to libraries housing priceless manuscripts.