French troops are fighting the rebel Islamists in Gao , Mali . Timbuktu is a UNESCO World Heritage site of huge cultural significance . Islamists have repeatedly attacked Timbuktu 's ancient archaeological sites . `` After the attack , the Islamists told the people that worshiping saints is not right , according to their form of Islam , and the destruction was necessary , '' said Ibrahim Ag Mohamed , a local guide . UNESCO has called for the protection of the ancient city of Timbuktu .
French troops are fighting the rebel Islamists in Gao , Mali . Timbuktu is a UNESCO World Heritage site of huge cultural significance . Islamists have repeatedly attacked Timbuktu 's ancient archaeological sites . UNESCO has called for the protection of the ancient city of Timbuktu .