Al-Qaeda’s North African branch is claiming attacks in northern Mali that killed a Chinese UN peacekeeper and three civilians, the US-based monitoring group SITE says.
Advertisement
According to the UN News Center, the peacekeeper died when a “vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated” at the camp of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA).
It said more than 10 peacekeepers were lightly wounded.
On Friday, five Malian soldiers were killed and four others injured in a mine explosion in Mali’s northern Gao region.
The UN mission in Mali (Minusma) was set up in 2013 to help stabilise the country following a rebellion by Islamist jihadists and ethnic Tuareg fighters.
The peacekeeping mission in Mali has struggled with internal difficulties and frequent attacks from militants.
MINUSMA mission head Mahamat Saleh Annadif condemned the attack as an “odious” act of terror.
Both the United Nations and China said terrorists were responsible for the attack. “[Mr. Ban] is deeply concerned by the recent series of attacks directed against MINUSMA that have killed 12 peacekeepers and injured many more in May alone”.
Al-Qaeda militants have said they were behind the attacks.
“The Chinese side strongly condemns this attack”.
Al-Qaida’s North African affiliate al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack, according to U.S. monitors SITE.
China now has more than 2,400 peacekeepers in Mali and other African countries, she said, adding that the country would continue to positively contribute to United Nations peacekeeping missions to help ensure peace and stability in Africa.
The statement also underscored that the Secretary-General recalled, once again, that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under worldwide law.
China in recent years has become a major contributor of troops, police and military experts to U.N. peacekeeping missions, with more than 3,000 now in the field, according to the United Nations Peacekeeping website.
Advertisement
Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday the troops would include a rapid reaction force, an aviation unit and specialists in high security convoys among other things.
