JackyRowlandAJE

I think it goes without saying that I speak English, since I am a correspondent for Aljazeera English.

Let's just say that your research was more thorough than Sky News' journalism on this occasion.

The rebellion began because of Tuareg dissatisfaction with how central government was running the north of Mali. But the rebellion was soon hijacked by al-Qaeda linked elements who had a different agenda. So the Tuareg soon became disillusioned with this "marriage of convenience" and about a week ago announced that they had dumped the jihadist rebels and were ready to fight on the side of the French.

I did not meet anyone who had been subjected to an amputation. But other colleagues did, in Gao.

I refer the honourable gentleman/lady to my above answer.