At around 9:00 this morning, a patrol of the MINUSMA Force was attacked by unidentified armed men on the road between Goundam and Tombouctou, 45 kilometers southwest of Timbuktu.

Preliminary reports indicate that six peacekeepers were killed and at least five others were injured. The evacuation of the injured is currently ongoing. Two MINUSMA vehicles were destroyed.

Ground reinforcements of the MINUSMA Force are on their way to the site and attack helicopters have also been deployed from Timbuktu to provide air support.

"I strongly condemn this terrorist attack against our peacekeepers. Those responsible for this heinous crime must be identified and brought to justice as soon as possible," said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA, Mr. Mongi Hamdi.

The Head of MINUSMA extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Special Representative recalls that, in its Resolution 2227 of 29 June 2015, renewing the mandate of MINUSMA until 30 June 2016, the UN Security Council expressed its readiness to consider targeted sanctions against those who launch attacks against MINUSMA or threaten to do so.