2023-06-09 18:58:13
The Minusma announced that a peacekeeper had been killed and eight others seriously injured Friday, June 9 during an attack near Timbuktu, in northern Mali.
The UN mission in Mali (Minusma) reported that a patrol “was the target of a complex attack“near Ber where she first hit a mine before coming under fire.
The Blue Helmets were part of the Burkinabè contingent, said a UN official.
“Crude reminder of the risks”
The head of the Minusma “strongly condemns this cowardly act against our patrol“. “This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks our peacekeepers face as they work tirelessly to bring stability and peace to the people of Mali.“.
France also condemned “with the greatest firmness“attack. The Foreign Office said: “France deplores the multiplication of attacks against Minusma and restrictions on his freedom of movement”.
France “pays tribute once again to the role of the Blue Helmets who risk their lives to protect the populations” and “salute their commitment and dedication“, according to the press release from the Quai d’Orsay.”Those responsible for this attack must be identified and held accountable“.
Mali has been in the grip of a deep security crisis since 2012, starting in the north, which has spread to the center of the country and to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. It is delivered to the abuses of armed groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State organization, but also to the violence of proclaimed self-defense groups, bandits and even regular forces.
Minusma, with around 12,000 troops deployed, is a prime target for jihadists who target foreign presence and state symbols. Since its creation in 2013, 186 of its members have died in hostile acts. It is the UN mission that has suffered the most losses in the world in recent years.
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