Timbuktu shrines damaged by Mali Ansar Dine IslamistsIslamist fighters in Mali have damaged the shrines of Muslim saints in the city of Timbuktu, witnesses say.
The fighters, from the Ansar Dine group, which controls much of northern Mali, attacked the mausoleum of Sidi Mahmoud, one of 16 shrines in the city.
Last week, the UN cultural organisation Unesco put Timbuktu on its list of endangered world heritage sites, fearing damage following the coup which toppled the Malian government in March.
Islamists regard shrines as idolatrous.
However, some Muslims, especially Sufis, regard them as an accepted part of Muslim worship.
'Architectural wonders'
Witnesses said Islamist fighters began attacking the shrines on Saturday morning, using shovels and pickaxes.
BBC
