Tuareg Rebels, Islamists Unite To Control North Mali

(AFP) – Tuareg rebels and the Islamist rebel group Ansar Dine agreed Saturday to join forces and create a transitional Islamic state in northern Mali, according to a accord seen by AFP.

“The Ansar Dine movement and the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (Tuareg MNLA) proclaim their dissolution in Azawad (northern Mali),” the deal said. “The two movements have created the transitional council of the Islamic state of Azawad,” it added.