Mali: 1 soldier dead and UN base attacked
A Malian soldier was killed and a number of others were injured Wednesday in an ambush in northern Mali, where gunmen also attacked two military camps, including a UN mission, a military source said.
The ambush took place 55 kilometres (34 miles) from Menaka, when one of the unit’s vehicles ran over a landmine, the source said.
Meanwhile, in the northern region of Kidal, gunmen attacked a camp run by the UN mission in the country, known by the acronym of MINUSMA, and another camp due to host so-called mixed patrols, another security source said.
Intended to provide security for the troubled region, mixed patrols comprise regular army soldiers; pro-government armed groups known as Platform; and ex-members of a predominantly Touareg rebel group, the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA).
Northern Mali is the site of frequent clashes between rival armed groups, as well as a haven for jihadist activity.