Un Peacekeeper, Two Civilians Killed İn Mali Attack

An attack on a United Nations (UN) convoy in Mali yesterday cost three people their lives and left another seven injured.

The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (Minusma) yesterday said one of its logistics convoys was attacked 45km north of the town of Douentza, in the country's Mopti region.

Minusma said that a mine or improvised explosive device exploded under the convoy, followed by direct gunfire that killed a Togolese peacekeeper and two Malian civilians. Seven Togolese peacekeepers were wounded, including three seriously, it added.

The UN mission added that Malian police were investigating the circumstances that led to the two civilians following the convoy when the attack occurred.

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon yesterday issued a statement in which he condemned the attack "in the strongest terms".

The secretary-general stressed that attacks targeting UN peacekeepers might constitute war crimes under international law and called on the Malian parties to "do all they can to prevent such attacks against Malian civilians, signatory parties and international forces". - Town