The unannounced arrival of the Ansar Dine militants alongside allies who have left other groups to now join them demonstrates Ansar Dine's growing clout as it prepares to hold negotiations with the government. The group sidelined secular rebels earlier this year and was able to solidify its hold over Timbuktu, a city once popular with European tourists where Islamists now carry out public whippings and amputations and even an execution. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_22186430/dozens-militants-seen-mali-city-timbuktu