French-led troops 'have control of Timbuktu airport'

French-led troops in Mali have taken control of the airport in the key northern city of Timbuktu, French military officials say.

The troops encountered no resistance as they headed towards the city, a senior officer with the Malian army told AFP news agency.

French and Malian troops have been pushing north in their offensive against Islamist rebels.

On Saturday, they seized Gao, the most populous city in northern Mali.

Thousands of people in Gao poured out into the streets to celebrate the arrival of the troops.

Islamists seized the north of the country last year, but have been losing ground since French forces launched an operation earlier this month.

Most militants appear to have fled into desert hideouts, says the BBC's Thomas Fessy in the capital, Bamako.

The advance comes as African Union leaders are meeting to discuss sending more troops to Mali.