UN peacekeeper killed and nine injured in north Mali attack

Patrol encountered an explosive device followed by gunfire

A UN soldier stands guard near a vehicle that drove over an explosive device in northern Mali in 2016. AFP

A UN peacekeeper was killed and nine others seriously injured when their patrol was attacked in northern Mali on Friday.

The patrol “encountered an improvised explosive device followed by a direct-arm fire attack,” said the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (Minusma).

Minusma first put the toll at one dead and four injured but later increased the number of wounded to nine.

Since 2012, Mali has been plagued by insurgent groups linked to ISIS and Al Qaeda. Vast parts of the country are controlled by myriad rebel groups, militias and criminal gangs.

Minusma was set up in 2013 to shore up the turbulent Sahel state, where fighting has claimed thousands of lives and uprooted hundreds of thousands.

At least 303 Minusma personnel have been killed in hostile acts in Mali, making it the deadliest UN peacekeeping mission in the world.

“I strongly condemn this cowardly act against our patrol. This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks that our peacekeepers face while working tirelessly to bring stability and peace to the people of Mali,” said Minusma head El Ghassim Wane.

Mr Wane extended his “heartfelt condolences to the government, brother in arms and family of the fallen colleague” and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.