Bamako

Two peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were killed and five others injured by a mine explosion in northern Mali.

The tragedy occurred when an armoured vehicle from a UN logistics convoy hit a mine on the route from Tessalit to Gao.

A rapid intervention force was immediately sent to the site to help those injured.

MINUSMA strongly condemned the attack, saying it may constitute a war crime under international law, and expressing concern over "the frequent use of improvised explosive devices intended to paralyse the operations of the UN mission and to obstruct the return to peace and stability in Mali.”

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MINUSMA had earlier reported losing 258 peacekeepers since its establishment in Mali in 2013.