UN says attack on convoy in north Mali near Timbuktu kills 6 peacekeepers, wounds 5

BAMAKO, Mali – The United Nations says six peacekeepers have been killed and five wounded in an attack on their convoy in north Mali.

A statement by the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali says the attack happened Thursday morning while the convoy patrolled the road between Goundam and Timbuktu, about 45 kilometers (27 miles) south of Timbuktu. It said the wounded are being evacuated and reinforcements are being sent to the attack site, including helicopters for air support.

The U.N. mission in Mali said two vehicles were also destroyed.

It was unclear who staged the attack but Tuareg camp residents in the area said they saw a jihadist flag on the attackers' vehicles.

U.N. Mali envoy Mongi Hamdi condemned the attack, saying those responsible should be brought to justice.