Peacekeeper dead, 8 injured in Mali mine explosion

DOUALA, Cameroon

A mine explosion in the north of Mali killed a peacekeeper and left eight others seriously injured Friday, according to a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission report in Mali (MINUSMA).

"Today, one of our patrols near the town of Ber, in northern Mali, was the target of a complex attack," said the mission.

"This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks our peacekeepers face as they work tirelessly to bring stability and peace to the people of Mali," said El-Ghassim Wane, head of MINUSMA.

The patrol was targeted in an attack involving an improvised explosive device (IED) followed by direct fire, it said.

Attacks on peacekeepers in Mali are common.

Last year, the death toll in the country for the past 12 years was recorded as at least 494 UN and associated personnel.