The historic city of Timbuktu, under Islamic terrorist control for almost a year, has been taken by French and Malian troops facing “little resistance.”

However, before the terrorists left the city, the Islamists torched the library destroying thousands of ancient manuscripts.

French President Francois Hollande said that the troops were “winning the battle” against the terrorists and continue in their movement north through the country. The troops seized the largest city in northern Mali on Saturday.

The Islamists had been steadily moving south toward the Malian capital until French troops joined the battle. The militants have retreated to desert hideouts. African Union officials agreed to contribute $50 million to try and get the African led troops in place relieving the French.