The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that heavily armed soldiers have escorted a fuel convoy into Mali's capital, Bamako, in the first breach of a blockade by Islamist rebels who have attacked and torched dozens of tanker trucks across the West African country. The Globe's Geoffrey York writes that motorcyclists cheered and raised their fists in celebration as they welcomed the arrival of more than 250 fuel tankers in the convoy from Ivory Coast. The city has suffered for the past week from the blockade, which has caused serious fuel shortages, soaring prices, lengthy queues at gas stations and other economic damage. The Islamist militias imposed the blockade on fuel imports last month to put pressure on Mali's military junta, which has struggled to contain the insurgency. The rebels, affiliated with alQaeda, launched their offensive in the remote deserts of northern Mali more than a decade ago. Barrick and B2Gold are among Mali's biggest private investors. B2Gold's Randall Chatwin said the company has not suffered any disruptions in its fuel supply chain so far. "We are continuously working with our fuel supply partners to ensure the ongoing fuel deliveries remain on schedule," Mr. Chatwin told The Globe.