Several French and Estonian soldiers injured in Gao during a suicide attack (V4)
(B2) A vehicle bomb (VBIED) exploded this Monday (July 22) in the afternoon at the entrance to the French military base in Gao, injuring three French and Estonian soldiers, the spokesman announced. of the French army general staff, Colonel Frédéric Barbry, to AFP
A suicide attack
The VBIED (Vehicle Terminal Improvised Explosive Devices) its " presented at 15:45 p.m. local time at the entrance to the French part of the Gao camp at the entrance to the Barkhane force camp, which also houses the United Nations peacekeeping force (Minusma) and the Malian armed forces (Fama) on the other side. The attack was aimed initially the entrance to the part of the camp of the Malian Armed Forces, but the attackers would have fallen back on the French entrance, due to traffic conditions “indicates the French army staff.
A vehicle painted in the colors of the Minusma
Two people were in the vehicle, which was painted in the colors of the United Nations force, MINUSMA. The passenger had put on a uniform similar to that of the Malian armed forces. He was neutralized by the camp soldiers when he got out of the vehicle to use a weapon. The driver died in the explosion.
A dozen wounded soldiers...
(Maj) In fact, the number of wounded is higher than that announced at the start by the French general staff (three wounded). On the Estonian side, we note « six injured Estonians, three of whom remain under medical care as the commander of the Estonian forces Martin Herem explained during a press conference in Tallinn. « About the same number of French people were injured. " The wounded " immediately received first aid, and their injuries are not serious » assures the Estonian Ministry of Defense. Some have received shrapnel or are suffering from bruises, others may suffer from hearing problems.
... and two Malian civilians
Two Malian civilians present on the spot were also injured. supported by the surgical unit in Gao. One of them was still being treated on Tuesday (July 23) afternoon, but " his vital prognosis is not engaged “, specifies the French staff. Two Estonian soldiers and a French soldier were still being treated.
Phone call
The two defense ministers Estonian Jüri Luik and Frenchwoman Florence Parly spoke to each other during a phone call on Tuesday morning (July 23). Florence Parly emphasized " the professional behavior of the Estonian Defense Forces during the attack “, wishing a” speedy recovery to the injured. A similar message from Jüri Luik who added: “ We are proud of the members of the Estonian Defense Forces who defend European security in Mali. [...] It is in our interest to face threats with our allies, to understand each other's needs and to strengthen our allies ».
A detachment of 50 soldiers
About fifty Estonian soldiers, mainly from the Scout Battalion Estonia (the rapid reaction unit of the 1st Estonian Infantry Brigade), have been providing protection for the Gao camp for almost a year (August 2018). They are checked every four months.
(NGV)
A Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) exploded on Monday (22 July) afternoon at the entrance to the French military base Gao, of the force Barkhane (Mali), causing three French and Estonians casualties, Colonel Frederic Barbry, spokesperson of the French General Staff of Armed Forces, said.
Updated Tuesday 23.7 11:30 a.m. (Estonian side report), 13 p.m. (additional details on the Estonian side), 18 p.m. (circumstances of the attack - details in the title - revised report)
