Early this morning, unidentified armed men launched an attack on a Malian military site in the town of Sévaré, in the Mopti region. The attackers, who were pushed back by the Malian Armed Forces, then took refuge in a hotel in town (Byblos). Confrontations between the attackers and the Malian Armed and Security Forces continued throughout the morning and shots continue to be fired sporadically at the hotel and in its vicinity.

Available reports indicate that a member of the international personnel associated with MINUSMA was killed in the attack.

MINUSMA condemns this despicable attack in the strongest terms.

MINUSMA continues to very closely monitor developments and to coordinate its efforts with the Malian authorities and the representatives of the international community and Barkhane.

At the request of the Malian authorities, MINUSMA has taken measures to ensure the transport of a Malian rapid intervention team from Bamako to Sévaré as reinforcements for the national armed and security forces who are on location. This team is accompanied by MINUSMA Police experts who will provide technical support, if necessary.

MINUSMA has also reinforced security at the Sevaré-Mopti airport and deployed a medical team that is already stationed at the airport to provide any necessary assistance.