Mali's extremist rebel MUJAO seized the town of Douentza Saturday, marking its southward push in the West African country, according to reports reaching here.

The rebel's advance was announced by MUJAO leader Oumar Ould Hamaha, who said they entered Douentza, less than 200 km away from the government-held central town of Mopti.

Douentza had been previously under the control of the secular rebel Gandakoy militia.

After the March 22 military coup in Mali, rebels including both extremist and separatist groups swept through the northern part of the country within half a month.