In a videotaped message, Abu Mosaab Abdulwadood, a leader of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, urged Malians to reject foreign intervention and accused France of trying to divide Muslims in the country. Prior to its recent takeover of the town of Lere, the al Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine gave the Tuareg MNLA an ultimatum to either join Ansar Dine or leave town; MNLA relinquished the town.
