MALI: UN peacekeepers killed explosion

At least three United Nations soldiers have been killed and five others seriously wounded by an explosive device that detonated as they were escorting a convoy in Mali, according to the West African nation’s peacekeeping mission. The convoy was travelling between the towns of Anefis and Gao in Mali’s volatile north when the explosion occurred […]

At least three United Nations soldiers have been killed and five others seriously wounded by an explosive device that detonated as they were escorting a convoy in Mali, according to the West African nation’s peacekeeping mission.

The convoy was travelling between the towns of Anefis and Gao in Mali’s volatile north when the explosion occurred at around 07:00 GMT, a statement from the mission, MINUSMA, said, adding that the death toll was provisional.

“Our thoughts go firstly to the families and loved ones. We pledge our complete support to them during this painful ordeal,” Koen Davidse, the head of MINUSMA, said. “The mission will use all means to ensure that justice is rendered.”