Al Qaeda Backed Rebels Move South As Nations Prepare For Expanding The War In Mali

As Nations Plot An Offensive In Mali, Rebels Edge South -- Wall Street Week

Al Qaeda-backed rebels advanced toward southern Mali, stoking fears of an expanding conflict as the United Nations weighs how to help African troops recapture the country's north from the rebels.

The Islamist rebels on Tuesday took new positions near the outskirts of a Niger River trading town that marks the south's last outpost under government control, Mali's army spokesman Lt. Col. Idrissa Traore said. The rebels entered the area around the sparsely populated town, Mopti, on Monday, he said.

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More News On The Conflict In Mali

Al-Qaeda Advances From Mali Stronghold -- Business Insider/The Telegraph
Mali: Al Qaeda Moves South -- Strategy Page
Hardcore Islamist Fighters Spill Out Of Mali To Assault Government Forces -- Business Insider/The Telegraph
Mali army reinforces, expects Islamist attack -- Reuters
Mali says army has repelled Islamist attack -- Reuters
Troops and Islamists clash in central Mali -- AFP
Mali Mediation Bid Postponed after Skirmishes -- Voice of America
Mali armed groups, govt postpone talks -- News24
AU wants NATO role in Mali -- UPI
Nato forces needed in Mali, says AU's Thomas Boni Yayi -- BBC
African Union head seeks global coalition to intervene on Mali -- Reuters
AU official calls for NATO role in Mali -- Foreign Policy
African Union Leader Wants NATO to Help With Mali Intervention -- Reason
Nigeria Cuts Troop Pledge for Mali -- Council On Foreign Relations