Mali: The United Nations has stated that some 22 UN peacekeepers have been injured in northern Mali after their convoy was hit by two improved explosive devices (IEDs).
According to UN spokesman Mr. Stephane Dujarric, there have now been six incidents since the peacekeepers left their base in northern Kidal on October 31 to make the estimated 350-kilometre journey to Gao, injuring a total of at least 39 peacekeepers.
“On Saturday, the convoy encountered two other improvised explosive devices near the town of Anefis,” Mr. Dujarric told reporters in New York, noting that he did not know if the devices had been there for a long time or whether the peacekeepers were deliberately targeted. “The injured were evacuated by air for medical treatment in Gao,” the UN spokesman added.
On November 1, eight peacekeepers were injured and evacuated, and an additional seven were injured on November 3 due to IEDS.
In June, Mali’s military rulers ordered the nearly 15,000-strong peacekeeping force, known as MINUSMA, or the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission, to leave. The withdrawal is expected to be completed by December 31.
According to reports, a Tuareg-dominated alliance of armed groups that recently relaunched a rebellion against the state claimed to have taken over shortly after MINUSMA’s departure.
The peacekeeping force was established by the UN Security Council in 2013 and initially helped restore some calm to northern areas. However, violence has persisted, and MINUSMA’s activities were hindered by ongoing tensions and government-imposed restrictions following Mali’s collaboration with Russia’s Wagner mercenary group in 2021.
MOST READ | Blinken visits Iraq amid growing fears of regional conflict
