Bamako, December 16, 2022 - Today, unidentified armed men opened fire on a United Nations Police (UNPOL) patrol in Timbuktu town. The attack left two Peacekeepers’ dead, including a woman. Four other peacekeepers were injured, one of them seriously. They are currently receiving appropriate care at the MINUSMA military hospital in Timbuktu.
One assailant was neutralized and equipment recovered. A MINUSMA Quick Reaction Force was immediately dispatched to secure the area.
The Head of MINUSMA, El-Ghassim Wane, said he was "deeply shocked" by this heinous act, which he strongly condemned. He offers his deepest condolences to the government of the deceased peacekeepers, as well as to their families and brothers in arms, and wish a speedy recovery to the four other injured peacekeepers.
"Despite the prevailing difficult operational environment, MINUSMA will spare no effort to carry out its mandate," said the Head of MINUSMA. He stresses the need to do everything possible to identify the perpetrators of this act and bring them to justice, recalling that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.