09 Apr 2018 | 08:16 AM UTC
Mali: One peacekeeper killed in Gao April 7
SuspecteUnidentified armed men ambush a MINUSMA vehicle in Gao (Gao region) April 7; one peacekeeper killed
Event
Two unidentified gunmen attacked a UN MINUSMA vehicle in the northeastern city of Gao (Gao region) on Saturday, April 7. One Nigerian peacekeeper was killed in the attack. No group has claimed responsibility as of April 9.
Context
Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds. France maintains approximately 4000 troops stationed throughout the Sahel, in addition to the presence of local military troops.
MINUSMA is one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world. Militants frequently target the mission, and 102 peacekeepers have been killed since 2013. On April 5,suspected Islamist militants launched a mortar attack against a UN MINUSMA camp in Aguelhok(Kidal region), killing two Chadian peacekeepers
Advice
The security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the north and central regions. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
