In a statement issued last night, the Secretary-General extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured personnel serving with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

“The Secretary-General recalls that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law,” the statement added.

Established by the Security Council in April 2013, MINUSMA supports the political process in Mali and carries out a number of security-related stabilization tasks, including protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, and the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance.