Timbuktu: MINUSMA and Barkhane counter terrorist attacks

[Vergennes]

On 14 April, MINUSMA forces and French forces in Timbuktu countered a particularly complex and underhanded attack by armed terrorist groups.

On that day, starting at 5pm Paris time, the MINUSMA camp, where a detachment of French soldiers from Operation Barkhane was stationed, was attacked by terrorists, disguised for some in blue helmets and using vehicles made up to UN codes or Malian armed forces. This attack aimed to take control of this camp and to cause the greatest number of damages. It included indirect fire, presumably mortars, and the explosion of three VBIEDs in order to create a breach in the enclosure. The MINUSMA and Barkhane forces repelled the attacks inside the compound, neutralizing the attackers. Some terrorists were armed with explosive belts.

Reinforcements were immediately sent from Gao and Niamey: a patrol of Mirage 2000, a Tiger helicopter, and commandos deployed by NH90 helicopter and tactical transport aircraft.

At least 15 terrorists were neutralized. At least one blue helmet was killed and several others injured,while 7 French soldiers were also wounded,they were taken care of in the French medical structures established in Gao (Mali).

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1741100555935662

@HannibalBarca @Taygibay

 

[Vergennes]

One of the vehicle used by the terrorists.

Compared to some used by the MINUSMA ;

 

[Taygibay]

Baroud d'honneur? With the attacks on
Ouagadougou, there is trend of punchier
actions probably because they need a big
hit, top of the charts stuff, not to peter out.

Thought for the injured comrades, Tay.