1st LD Writethru: 2 peacekeepers killed, 30 injured as militants attack UN base in northern Mali
Xinhua, February 12, 2016 Adjust font size:
Two Guinean peacekeepers under the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) died while 30 others injured, five of them critically, in a Friday morning attack targeting MINUSMA base in Northern Mali town of Kidal.
Security sources who spoke to Xinhua on phone said the attack began on Friday at 6:55 a.m. local time when rockets were launched on the UN forces camp.
The attack lasted for less than two hours but left numerous victims. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua a UN helicopter was equally attacked by the assailants.
A MINUSMA military official who requested for anonymity, said the UN force reacted immediately. "A fighter jet has been deployed to track down the terrorists," the official said.
Local residents who spoke to Xinhua said calm had been restored in the town "even though tension and anxiety" were visible among members of the public.
Security measures have been reinforced around the UN Mission in Kidal.
The attack occurred at a time when the German president is expected in Mali this Friday for a 24 hour visit.
It should be noted that Germany is currently leading the European mission that is training the Malian army and Berlin is soon expected to send 650 additional soldiers to the UN Mission in Mali. Endit