Liberia’s peacekeepers in Mali have come under multiple mortar shell attack by Malian rebels leaving one soldier dead and eight others wounded with three condition been described as critical. The incident occurred on Wednesday May 3rd, 2017, at 1300 hours at the Super Camp. The Super Camp which is the operational base of the Liberian troops falls within Sector West in Timbuktu.
The Defense authority has strongly condemned the attack on its troops and has expressed words of condolence to the next of kin or the bereaved family for the sad home-going of one of its courageous soldiers who, with valor, dignity and nationalism served humanity until his demise as a result of the cowardly attack by rebel forces in Mali. This is the first fatality reported since Liberia deployed its troops in Mali.
It can be recalled that Liberia engaged in the search for peace in the sisterly state of Mali dating back to June 23, 2013 when the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) deployed its first platoon in Mali. Since then the AFL has had three rotations; first, June 26, 2014; second, June 25, 2015; and September 2, 2016.
Meanwhile, the AFL remains engaged in the peacekeeping process in Mali despite the fatal attack on its position. Further details surrounding the incident will be released as they unfold.
