This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-africa-17576725

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Mali rebels say they surround Timbuktu Mali rebels say they surround Timbuktu
(40 minutes later)
Tuareg separatist rebels in Mali say they have surrounded the historic town of Timbuktu after a rapid advance through the north of the country.Tuareg separatist rebels in Mali say they have surrounded the historic town of Timbuktu after a rapid advance through the north of the country.
Eyewitnesses in the town told BBC News they heard gunfire on the outskirts, believed to be the Malian army firing warning shots.Eyewitnesses in the town told BBC News they heard gunfire on the outskirts, believed to be the Malian army firing warning shots.
The rebels said on their website they meant to dislodge the Malian political and military presence in the town.The rebels said on their website they meant to dislodge the Malian political and military presence in the town.
Two other important centres, Kidal and Gao, fell to them in recent days.Two other important centres, Kidal and Gao, fell to them in recent days.
Eyewitnesses in Timbuktu told the BBC's Martin Vogl they had heard some warning shots by the Malian army just outside the town.Eyewitnesses in Timbuktu told the BBC's Martin Vogl they had heard some warning shots by the Malian army just outside the town.
There has been no real fighting as yet, they added.There has been no real fighting as yet, they added.
Timbuktu, about 1,000km (600 miles) from the capital Bamako, is the only major northern town still under the control of the Malian army.
'Prison opened'
In their statement, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) said they had "liberated" the town of Gao on Saturday.In their statement, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) said they had "liberated" the town of Gao on Saturday.
Timbuktu is the only major northern town that remains under the control of the Malian army. Few details of the situation in the town of 90,000 people have emerged since the rebels moved in, but witnesses quoted by AFP news agency said unknown attackers had forced open the gates of the prison and several public building had been looted by civilians.
Officials with several international non-governmental organisations based in Gao have fled the town, a security source told the agency.
The country has been in turmoil for more than a week since army officers overthrew the government, blaming it for failing to contain the rebels, who launched their offensive in January.The country has been in turmoil for more than a week since army officers overthrew the government, blaming it for failing to contain the rebels, who launched their offensive in January.
Coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo said in a statement read out on state television that soldiers had decided not to fight the rebels in Gao because the town's military camps were close to residential areas.
Regional group Ecowas has demanded the reinstatement of Mali's elected government, and has put 2,000 troops on standby for a possible intervention.
It has threatened to close land borders, freeze assets and impose a financial blockade if the army does not stand down before Monday.
Looted weapons
Tuaregs have launched several rebellions over the years, complaining that the government in Bamako ignores them.Tuaregs have launched several rebellions over the years, complaining that the government in Bamako ignores them.
However, the new conflict has been fuelled by the return of Tuareg fighters from Libya last year after fighting for the late Muammar Gaddafi or his opponents.However, the new conflict has been fuelled by the return of Tuareg fighters from Libya last year after fighting for the late Muammar Gaddafi or his opponents.
It appears these fighters are heavily armed with looted weapons.It appears these fighters are heavily armed with looted weapons.
The MNLA are backed, for now, by a smaller, Islamist group called the Ansar Edine, which wants to impose Sharia law.The MNLA are backed, for now, by a smaller, Islamist group called the Ansar Edine, which wants to impose Sharia law.
Analysts say the militants have taken advantage of Mali's coup to make a swift advance.Analysts say the militants have taken advantage of Mali's coup to make a swift advance.