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 .
French forces are fighting the remaining Islamists in Timbuktu , Mali . Timbuktu is a UNESCO World Heritage site of huge cultural significance . Islamists have repeatedly targeted Timbuktu 's ancient burial sites . UNESCO has called for the protection of the ancient city of Timbuktu .