Islamic fanatics vow to destroy remaining mausoleums in Timbuktu

Islamic fanatics controlling northern Mali have once again taken pickaxes to ancient monuments, as they vow to destroy all the remaining mausoleums in the fabled city of Timbuktu.

The symbols of Timbuktu's rich history are once again the focus of Islamic extremists intent on defending their brand of Islam against idolatry. Al Jazeera reported Abou Dardar, head of al-Qaeda linked Ansar Dine, proclaimed: "Not a single mausoleum will remain in Timbuktu, Allah doesn't like it. We are in the process of smashing all the hidden mausoleums in the area." Just two days ago Ansar Dine and rival Tuareg fighters agreed to suspend fighting and "refrain from all actions that would cause confrontation and hostilities in the areas that they control" after the United Nations approved African intervention in Mali. Ansar Dine is using its free time to destroy an irreplaceable part of history. In July Digital Journal reported the International Criminal Court warned the Salafist groups to stop their wanton destruction of historic shrines in Timbuktu, categorizing it as a war crime. However, their warning has gone unheeded as the vandalism continues, with extremists calling "Man should only worship Allah."