Three UN Peacekeepers killed in Mali

By Alpha Kamara

DAKAR, Senegal (AA) - Three UN peacekeepers in northern Mali were killed Thursday after their vehicle struck a mine or improvised explosive device, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) confirmed.

In a statement, MINUSMA said the vehicle was escorting a logistical convoy north of Kidal city on a highway between Tessalit and Aguelhok.

“Following the explosion, three peacekeepers lost their lives and two others were injured, according to a provisional toll,” it said, adding the survivors were medically evacuated to Kidal.

“I condemn in the strongest terms such despicable acts whose sole purpose is to destabilize the country and undermine the ongoing peace process in Mali. My thoughts and sympathies go to the families of the victims and the wounded,” said interim UN mission head Koen Davidse.

The mission, "remains committed to continuing its efforts to consolidate peace in Mali," he added.

MINUSMA said attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

In total, more than 100 peacekeepers have been killed in Mali, making it the deadliest U.N. mission to date, according to a UN report published in August.

The perpetrators of the attack unknown.