MINUSMA is relieved at the successful conclusion early this morning of the operation carried out by the Malian forces and congratulates them on it.

MINUSMA reiterates its strong condemnation of the despicable terrorist attack that took place in Sévaré and deplores the loss of lives caused by this criminal act. The Mission extends its condolences to the Malian Government and the Malian Armed Forces, as well as to the governments and families of the victims, who include personnel of companies contracted by MINUSMA. It wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The situation regarding the MINUSMA-associated personnel is as follows:

- Four (4) were rescued at the Hotel Byblos as soon as the operation had ended and were taken to MINUSMA’s office in Sévaré, where they remain while waiting to be transferred to Bamako. They are nationals of South Africa (2), the Russian Federation (1) and Ukraine (1). They are all in good health. The attackers did not detect their presence in the hotel and MINUSMA was in permanent contact with them throughout the attack and until its end.

- Five (5) lost their lives and an inquiry is underway to establish the exact circumstances of their death during the events: one Malian (a driver working for a company contracted by MINUSMA), one Nepalese, one South African and two Ukrainians. Arrangements are in place to take the victims’ bodies to Bamako.

MINUSMA will continue to cooperate and to coordinate its efforts very closely with the Malian authorities as well as with the representatives of the international community in Bamako in the context of the ongoing follow-up operations, including the Malian authorities’ investigations into the attack.

MINUSMA remains determined and dedicated to fulfilling its tasks in the implementation of its mandate in support of Mali, its government and its people.