Mali’s UN mission seeks more troops after extremist attacks
BAMAKO, Mali – The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali is asking for more troops, equipment, armour and aerial surveillance in the wake of deadly attacks by Islamic extremists.
Mission head Mahamat Saleh Annadif said Thursday he hopes the request will be considered at a U.N. Security Council meeting this month to renew the mission’s mandate.
He said the recent extremist attacks have killed at least seven Guineans, five Chadians, five Togolese and a Chinese peacekeeper with the mission.
He said the latest deadly attack on Tuesday penetrated the northern city of Gao for the first time since 2013, when French forces drove extremists from the region.
Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is proposing that the Security Council strengthen the mission’s capabilities.
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