(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/130123-mali-diabaly-church.photoblog600.jpg) (http://www.theinfostride.com/undefined)Issouf Sanogo / AFP - Getty ImagesA ripped up image of Jesus Christ is left on the ground of a Catholic church in Diabaly on Tuesday.By Rohit Kachroo, Correspondent, NBC NewsDIABALY, Mali -- Burned-out cars lie at the entrance to liberated Diabaly. Nearby, the stench of death rises from the window of an army vehicle discarded by the side of the road; inside are the bodies of four Malian soldiers, presumably slaughtered by jihadists.
The Islamist army stormed through the town last week and left a destructive trail. They ruined the church, smashing away its cross and decapitating religious statues. They looted the pharmacy and destroyed homes. They were joined by Malian soldiers who defected, according to some local residents.
Although the insurgents controlled Diabaly for only a few days, its terrified residents cheered when they left and French and Malian soldiers swept in (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/21/16619802-insurgents-abandon-towns-in-central-mali-as-french-troops-advance?lite).After launching airstrikes and a final strike, the French military have recaptured the key town of Diabaly from Islamist rebels. NBC's Rohit Kachroo reports.
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