BAMAKO: : A mine explosion in northern Mali resulted in the deaths of two peacekeepers from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and five other injuries.
According to a statement released by MINUSMA on Tuesday, the tragedy occurred when an armored vehicle from a UN logistical convoy struck a mine while traveling from Tessalit to Gao.
In a statement, MINUSMA strongly denounced the attack and expressed concern over "the frequent use of improvised explosive devices intended to paralyse the operations of the UN mission and to obstruct the return to peace and stability in Mali." The attack, according to MINUSMA, may have been a war crime under international law.
According to the Xinhua report, the head of MINUSMA El-Ghassim Wane paid respect to the peacekeepers "who perished in the service of peace in Mali in the execution of their job."
MINUSMA on May 27 reported missing 258 peacekeepers since its establishment in Mali in 2013.
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