At around 11:30 a.m. today, a suicide vehicle exploded at the entrance to the MINUSMA camp in Ansongo, in the Gao region, as it tried to enter.

The attack injured nine peacekeepers from the contingent of Niger, two of them seriously.

The explosion also killed at least three civilians and injured seven others. Medical evacuations are underway.

The Special Representative and Head of MINUSMA, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, condemns this “cowardly and heinous” attack in the strongest terms.  “I am shocked that valiant peacekeepers as well as innocent civilians were targeted in an attack once again. This attack will not deter MINUSMA in its mission to restore peace and security in Mali.”

On behalf of the Mission, Mr. Hamdi extends his condolences to the bereaved families and to the people and Government of Mali and wishes a speedy recovery to the peacekeepers and civilians who were injured.