In a statement issued to the press, the 15-member body underlined that “attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.”

Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), also condemned the attack in Ménaka, in which three peacekeepers were killed and 16 peacekeepers and one civilian personnel were wounded.

A Malian soldier was also killed and another one injured, according to the Mission, which reported that aerial support was immediately deployed to secure the perimeter and facilitate medical evacuations.

Also on Friday, a MINUSMA convoy was attacked north of Douentza, in the Mopti region, leaving one UN peacekeeper dead and three severely injured.

The Council, in its statement, reiterated that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” reaffirming the need for all States to combat, by all means, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

It further stressed the importance of MINUSMA having the necessary capacities, including combat convoy companies, to fulfil its mandate and promote the safety and security of the UN peacekeepers.