2 UN peacekeepers killed, 4 injured in northern Mali blast

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Two UN peacekeepers in Mali were killed and four others seriously injured on Monday when an improvised explosive device went off, said the UN mission in the West African country.

The incident occurred in the northern Tessalit area in the Kidal region after their vehicle hit the explosive device during a mine search and detection patrol, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said on Twitter.

Since 2012, Mali has been battling growing violence orchestrated by militants in northern and central regions, targeting both soldiers and civilians.

The UN maintains more than 13,000 troops in these areas to contain growing violence, who face regular attacks.

Since the beginning of the mission in 2013, at least 74 troops have been killed by improvised explosive devices, according to UN data.