Timbuktu Being Liberated by French Troops

French troops in Mali

Malians again recognized French troops as liberators, as they moved into Timbuktu, on Monday.

Residents of the city waved home made French flags, as they welcomed the French.

The recapture of the city was aided by Foreign Legion troops parachuting in, behind the city, surrounding it.

Parts of the city are still under Islamist control, but that is not expected to last long.

No combat has occurred, over the city.

Islamists did burn the library, destroying rare writings, but otherwise the transition has been peaceful and celebratory.

On Saturday, French troops liberated the city of Gao.

Reports are that the Al Qaeda linked rebels have begun abandoning every town and city, which they had occupied.