Current:Home > NewsU.N. peacekeepers in Mali withdraw from two bases in the north as fighting intensifies -Mastery Money Tools
U.N. peacekeepers in Mali withdraw from two bases in the north as fighting intensifies
View
Date:2025-04-13 17:29:07
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! (35379)
Related
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Missing U.S. military helicopter found in Southern California; search on for 5 Marines who were on board
- As long school funding lawsuit ends in Kansas, some fear lawmakers will backslide on education goals
- Sports streaming deal with ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery: What it means for viewers
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Rapper Quando Rondo is charged with DUI in Georgia, where he already faces drug and gang charges
- Erika Jayne Can't Escape Ex Tom Girardi's Mess in Tense Bet It All on Blonde Trailer
- Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' movie will stream on Disney+ with an extended setlist
- 'Most Whopper
- 'Lisa Frankenstein' review: Goth girl meets cute corpse in Diablo Cody's horror rom-com
Ranking
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Rapper Quando Rondo is charged with DUI in Georgia, where he already faces drug and gang charges
- CDC is investigating gastrointestinal sickness on luxury cruise ship Queen Victoria
- FBI contractor charged with stealing car containing gun magazine from FBI headquarters
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Super Bowl food deals: Get specials on wings, pizza and more at Hooters, Little Caesars
- Super Bowl Sunday: The game, the parties, the teams—what's America's favorite part?
- Vanderpump Rules' Katie Maloney Details Strange Date With This Charlie's Angels Star
Recommendation
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
Britney Spears Reveals She Forgot She Made Out With Ben Affleck
Taylor Swift doesn't want people tracking her private jet. Here's why it's legal.
The Spurs held practice at a Miami Beach school. And kids there got a huge surprise
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Republican Rosendale to enter Montana U.S. Senate race, upending GOP bid to take seat from Democrat
Biden Administration partners with US sports leagues, player unions to promote nutrition
Once hailed 'Romo-stradamus,' Tony Romo now has plenty to prove on CBS Super Bowl telecast