17 Oct 2020 | 04:26 AM UTC
Mali: IED attack kills peacekeeper in Kidal region October 15
UN peacekeeper dies after convoy strikes IED in Kidal region on October 15; further attacks likely over the medium term
Event
A peacekeeper from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was killed and a colleague injured after their convoy struck an improvised explosive device (IED) near Kidal (Kidal region) on Thursday, October 15. In a separate attack on Thursday, shots were fired at a UN camp near Timbuktu (Timbuktu region), injuring one peacekeeper. No group claimed immediate responsibility for either attack.
Security operations are expected to take place in the coming days in the vicinity of the two incidents. Further similar attacks on UN forces are likely to occur in Mali over the medium term.
Context
Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite the presence of MINUSMA, one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world. Areas along the border with Burkina Faso have become particularly unstable in recent months, as militant groups increasingly operate across the frontier.
Advice
The security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the north and central regions, and those in the country should heed any directives issued by local authorities. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
