UN Condemns Deadly Attack on Peacekeepers in Mali

The United Nations has condemned an attack in northern Mali that killed a Chadian soldier and wounded four more of its peacekeepers.

A vehicle carrying the group struck a landmine Sunday near Aguelhoc, in the Kidal region of Mali. A similar attack in the area killed four U.N. peacekeepers earlier this month.

In a statement late Sunday, the U.N. Security Council urged Mali to investigate the attack and said those responsible shall be held accountable.

The Council reiterated its support for the peacekeepers in their efforts to bring “lasting peace and stability” to the people of Mali.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was deeply saddened by the Chadian soldier’s death and said the attacks will not affect the U.N.’s support for Mali.

Northern Mali fell under control of Tuareg separatists and then al-Qaida-linked Islamic extremists following a 2012 military coup.  A French-led intervention last year scattered the extremists, but some remain active and there have been continued bursts of violence.

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