15 UN Peacekeepers Injured in Explosives Attack Amid Hasty Withdrawal from Mali Amid Rising Security Threats

Peacekeepers travelling without air support target of multiple IED attacks; mission equipment worth millions destroyed to prevent seizure by insurgents; amidst escalating insecurity, fears rise over potential total collapse of Malian state.

• The United Nations (UN) convoy, consisting of peacekeepers from the mission known as MINUSMA, was forced to navigate some of West Africa's most dangerous territories without air support due to the Malian government's refusal.
• A total of 15 UN peacekeepers were injured in two separate attacks, in which their convoy vehicles hit improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by insurgents.
• Part of the UN's precautionary measures included the destruction of sensitive equipment to prevent its seizure by nearby insurgents, costing millions of dollars.
• Shortly after the UN's departure from their base in Kidal, ethnic Tuareg rebels claimed control and evidence of looting was reported.
• The exiting process was expedited due to a rise in security threats and growing fears over the potential total collapse of the Malian state; the UN Security Council plans to finalize the withdrawal by the end of December.

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