Six Chadian blue helmets killed in Mali (maj2)

(B2) A logistics convoy of the United Nations force in Mali, MINUSMA, was ambushed about 15 km north of Aguelhok, in the Kidal region, on Wednesday (18 May). The convoy has hit an improvised explosive device "and was subsequently" attacked by an unidentified armed group ", according to communicated of MINUSMA. Assessment: six Chadian blue helmets killed (one of the very seriously injured wounded later died) and two people other injured.

This attack - like the one in mid-February which claimed the lives of seven Guinean soldiers - was claimed by the Ansar Dine group. Since the start of the peacekeeping operation in July 2013, more than 90 Minusma personnel have been killed, mostly Africans. Chadians paying the heaviest price, now totaling 30 victims in their ranks (see also this article by Young Africa).

A 'Medevac' operation by Barkhane

The French from the Barkhane force participated in the rescue, sending two helicopters, a medicalized Puma and a Caracal, as well as an armed detachment to evacuate the wounded and secure the area. The injured were repatriated to the French medical post of Tessalit “where they were taken care of “announces the staff of the armies, before being entrusted to MINUSMA.

The EU supports MINUSMA

The spokeswoman for the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs expressed "condolences" to the families of the deceased soldiers, wishing a " rapid recovery to injured soldiers » and reiterating his « full support for MINUSMA and the countries contributing troops to this operation (1). For the European Union the terrorists have once again demonstrated their contempt for the will of the Malian people to live in peace ».

(NGV)

(1) Several EU Member States — Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Dem. Czech — contribute to MINUSMA

(Updated Fri May 20 and Sat May 21) with EU statement and details of circumstances - Ansar Dine claim, number of Minusma casualties.