Mali: Three UN peacekeepers killed September 24

Event

At least three UN peacekeepers were killed when their vehicle hit an explosive device planted on a road between the city of Gao and the village of Anefis (Gao region) on Sunday, September 24. MINUSMA - the UN peacekeeping mission - said that the attack left five other peacekeepers seriously wounded. In a separate statement, the Bangladeshi armed forces confirmed that three of its soldiers were killed and four others wounded in the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds. France maintains approximately 4000 troops stationed throughout the Sahel. MINUSMA (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) is one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world. Militants frequently target the mission, and more than 100 peacekeepers have been killed since 2013.

Advice

The security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the north and central regions. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.

Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent in the country, all those present in Mali are advised to remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.