Two German U.N. Peacekeepers Killed in Mali Helicopter Crash

Mali is home to the world’s deadliest active U.N. mission

A U.N. peacekeeping helicopter crashed Wednesday in the desert in northern Mali and two German peacekeepers were killed, U.N. officials said.

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said the crash took place south of Tabankort in Mali’s northern Gao region. He said officials were still working to verify details of the crash, including its cause and possible casualties.

“Preliminary indications show there was a technical failure. Investigations are opened to determine the exact circumstances of the crash,” said a statement by the U.N. mission in Mali. “The helicopter had two peacekeepers on board who, unfortunately, both died.”

Mali is home to the world’s deadliest active U.N. mission. Haq said due to the confrontations on the ground with radical jihadists, the crash site would have to be secured before personnel could reach the scene.

Ahmad Makaila, a spokesman based in Mali with the U.N. mission known as MINUSMA, said earlier that two Germans were on board the helicopter and later confirmed that they were killed.

Source: Two German U.N. Peacekeepers Killed in Mali Helicopter Crash | Time.com