Rebels enter northern Mali town Gao

GAO: Separatist rebels in pick-up trucks loaded with heavy weapons entered the northern Mali town of Gao on Saturday, a Reuters reporter in the town said.

"I saw them entering the town itself and putting up their Azawad flags," the reporter said, referring to the northern desert territory which the rebels want to make their homeland.

Regular army troops stationed in the town launched a response, he added. "Helicopters have started to take off."