Attackers killed one UN peacekeeper and seriously injured eight others Friday in Mali's northern Timbuktu region, an area where extremists continue to operate, the United Nations said.
The peacekeepers, all from Burkina Faso, were part of a security patrol that was targeted first by an improvised explosive device and then by direct small arms fire seven kilometers from their base in the town of Ber, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Mali's transitional authorities to identify the perpetrators of the attack and bring them to justice swiftly, noting that "attacks targeting UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law," Dujarric said. In 2021, France and its European partners engaged in the fight against extremists in Mali's north withdrew from the country after the junta brought in mercenaries from Russia's Wagner Group.
The warning came as the UN Security Council considers three options proposed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the peacekeeping mission's future: increase its size, reduce its footprint, or withdraw troops and police and turn it into a political mission. Its current mandate expires on June 30.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Air quality in Ottawa improves briefly, haze expected to return FridayThe air quality in the capital has significantly improved, but the smoky, hazy conditions could return on Friday.
Read more »
Highway 4 Detour to be closed for several hours FridayStarting at 1 p.m., travel on the detour will be prohibited until 9 p.m., as crews work to recover a vehicle near Francis Lake.
Read more »
Detour route to Highway 4 set to close for several hours FridayTravellers are being asked to avoid the four-hour detour before, during and after the closure because commercial trucks will be queuing up to use it
Read more »
5 things to know for Friday, June 9, 2023Donald Trump says he's been federally indicted, the House of Commons passes the federal budget implementation bill, and Statistics Canada is set to release its latest employment snapshot.
Read more »
Air quality in Ottawa continues to be better FridayEnvironment Canada is, as of 6 a.m. Thursday, forecasting air quality risk maximums of level three, or low risk, through to Saturday night.
Read more »
Centennial Lake forest fire evacuation order to be lifted at 3 p.m. FridayThe Township of Greater Madawaska said in a Facebook post Friday morning that the order would be in place until 3 p.m.
Read more »