Current:Home > ScamsU.N. peacekeepers in Mali withdraw from two bases in the north as fighting intensifies-LoTradeCoin
U.N. peacekeepers in Mali withdraw from two bases in the north as fighting intensifies
View Date:2024-12-23 17:05:15
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — United Nations peacekeepers started departing from two bases in northern Mali Monday as part of a forced withdrawal from the country amid increasing insecurity and a rise in attacks by Islamic extremists.
The U.N. mission said it wanted to complete its departure quickly from two camps in the Kidal region, Tessalit and Aguelhok. Attacks in northern Mali have more than doubled since the peacekeepers completed the first phase of their withdrawal in August.
“In view of the rapidly deteriorating security conditions for the lives of hundreds of peacekeepers ... the mission is doing its utmost to complete this process as soon as possible, including if necessary, accelerating its withdrawal from the Kidal camp, originally scheduled for mid-November,” a UN statement said.
Earlier this year, Mali’s military junta ordered the U.N. mission to leave the country, which has struggled to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012. The operation in Mali became one of the most dangerous in the world, with more than 150 peacekeepers killed since it began operations in 2013.
Violence is spiking between ethnic Tuareg rebels, known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP-PSD) and Mali’s military. Analysts say the uptick signals the breakdown of a 2015 peace agreement signed between the government and the rebels who once drove security forces out of northern Mali as they sought to create the state of Azawad.
Earlier this month the rebels said they captured another military base from the army in the north.
On Monday, Mali’s military said on X, formerly Twitter, that its aircraft came under heavy fire as it approached Tessalit’s airport. The army neutralized the enemy and the aircraft was able to land and take off without problems, it said.
Compounding the rebel violence are increasing attacks by Islamic extremists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, which have wracked the country for a decade and led to two coups.
Extremist rebels were forced from power in the West African nation’s northern cities in 2013 with the help of a French-led military operation. But the insurgents regrouped in the desert and began launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.
The U.N. peacekeepers came in a few months later in what has become one of the most dangerous U.N. missions in the world.
veryGood! (3468)
Related
- North Carolina offers schools $1 million to help take students on field trips
- The president of Florida’s only public historically Black university resigns after donation debacle
- Colombia soccer president Ramón Jesurún and son arrested after Copa America final
- Prime Day 2024 Deal: Save 30% on Laneige Products Used by Sydney Sweeney, Alix Earle, Hannah Brown & More
- Homes of Chiefs’ quarterback Mahomes and tight end Kelce were broken into last month
- New Jersey Democrats set to pick candidate in special House primary for Donald Payne Jr.'s seat
- Internet explodes with 50 Cent 'Many Men' memes following Trump attack; rapper responds
- Stock market today: Asian stocks are mixed after Dow sets a new record
- 'Joker 2' actor pans DC sequel as the 'worst film' ever: 'It has no plot'
- Victim of Texas inmate set for execution was loving schoolteacher, pillar of her community
Ranking
- Ashton Jeanty stats: How many rushing yards did Boise State Heisman hopeful have vs Nevada
- Margot Robbie pictured cradling her stomach amid pregnancy reports
- Skip Bayless leaving FS1's 'Undisputed' later this summer, according to reports
- Texas man who's sought DNA testing to prove his innocence slated for execution in 1998 stabbing death of woman, 85
- Harriet Tubman posthumously named a general in Veterans Day ceremony
- Victim of Texas inmate set for execution was loving schoolteacher, pillar of her community
- Dance Moms' Christi Lukasiak Arrested for DUI
- Paul Skenes in spotlight, starting All-Star Game after just 11 major league games
Recommendation
-
Video ‘bares’ all: Insurers say bear that damaged luxury cars was actually a person in a costume
-
Vermont governor urges residents to report flood damage to the state for FEMA determination
-
It's Amazon Prime Day! And what the world needs now is a little retail therapy.
-
How many points did Bronny James score tonight? Lakers Summer League box score
-
Jon Gruden joins Barstool Sports three years after email scandal with NFL
-
Clean Energy Projects Are Stuck in a Years-Long Queue. Maryland and Neighboring States Are Pushing for a Fix
-
Albert the alligator’s owner sues New York state agency in effort to be reunited with seized pet
-
Joe Scarborough criticizes MSNBC for taking 'Morning Joe' off-air Monday: 'Very disappointed'