2 UN peacekeepers killed, 5 injured in northern Mali

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – Two UN peacekeepers were killed and five others injured on Tuesday in a bomb explosion in northern Mali, the UN mission in the West African county said.

The incident occurred in the morning when an armored vehicle of a UN Mali mission logistics convoy struck a mine on the Tessalit-Gao axis, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said in a statement.

"Two peacekeepers succumbed to their injuries, and five others were seriously wounded as a result of this attack," according to the statement.

Condemning the attack, the UN mission said a rapid response force was dispatched to the scene and the wounded were evacuated.

MINUSMA head El-Gassim Wane paid tribute to the fallen peacekeepers and extended his condolences to their loved ones and governments.

Attack on peacekeepers may constitute a war crime under international law.

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

MINUSMA troops deployed to contain growing violence in the north and center of Mali face regular attacks.

The UN mission expressed concern over the frequent use by terrorist groups and elements of improvised explosive devices which it said paralyzes the mission's operations and obstructs the return to peace and stability.

Mines and improvised explosive devices in Mali indiscriminately affect UN personnel, the Malian defense and security forces and the communities we serve, it said.