Details of the attack on the EUTM Mali camp in Koulikoro
(B2) The details of theattack on Koulikoro camp, where EUTM Mali trainers are deployed, on the night of Saturday to Sunday are now clearer. Here is the story told by the Europeans
A two-phase attack
« Arrived in the vicinity of the center, the occupants of one of the vehicles got out [of the vehicle] and started shooting near one of the secondary access doors. Then the vehicles headed for the main access, the southern entrance to the Camp. The Spanish soldiers of the VII 'Galicia' brigade who ensure the protection of the camp ('force protection'), as well as their Malian counterparts, have " pushed back the first of the vehicles by pulling on it.
A first explosion followed by a second
The driver has then activated his explosive vest which caused the vehicle to catch fire and explode. Seeing that the first vehicle could not enter the camp, the second " see you then exploded near the central door, without causing major damage at least on a human level.
On the photos released, we can see that many vehicles in the vicinity are burned or have their windows ripped out.
Ongoing investigation
An investigation has been opened. The " number of attackers in particular remains to be determined, says EUTM Mali. The military began the work to repair the damage and return to normal as soon as possible ". The injured Malian soldiers (three according to EUTM Mali) have already been released from the hospital, according to our information.
(NGV)
The press release of the EUTM Mali mission
- Koulikoro Training Center (KTC) was attacked by unknown elements during the night from the 23rd to 24th February 2019 about three o'clock in the morning
- In the attack 2 vehicles, loaded with explosives, as well as dismounted elements were involved
- The attackers opened fire and tried to breach the main gate (south entrance) of Koulikoro Training Centre, but were stopped by Force Protection elements
- One of the two vehicles burned down after being stopped at the main gate, and the second one exploded
- Three Malian soldiers were wounded, and brought to ROLE 2 for further treatment
- Koulikoro Training Center was set to high alert status and manned its defensive positions
- No EUTM Mali personnel were injured
- All three Malian soldiers have been discharged from ROLE 2
- We wish the three wounded Malian soldiers a speedy recovery
- The number of killed attackers is under investigation
