On February 24 an attack was carried out on the base of the European Union Training Mission in Koulikoro, Mali, were Lithuanian soldiers are serving; they were not injured in the attack.
According to representatives of the European Training Mission Mali (EUTM MALI), the attack took place in early hours of February 24, it involved two vehicles loaded with explosives and two armed persons. The Malian Armed Forces which is responsible for the security of the camp, prevented the attack – one of the vehicles burned down, the other one denoted near the entrance gates. Three Malian soldiers were injured. The exact number of assailants is not disclosed with the ongoing investigation.
Currently two instructors of the Lithuanian Armed Forces are serving in EUTM Mali: one in Koulikoro and one in Bamako. They are contributing to the training of the Malian Armed Forces and increasing their operational capabilities and expanding activities. The international community seeks to make the Malian Armed Forces capable of ensuring the country’s territorial integrity and to counter armed terror attacks within the country.
Lithuania is also contributing to the UN-led operation in Mali, MINUSMA, with a Force Protection Unit and a National Support Element that are protecting international forces in composition of the German Contingent. Another 5 Lithuanian officers are serving in operational headquarters in Bamako, Gao ir Timbuktu.
In total, 40 Lithuanian soldiers are currently deployed to Mali.
Official information on the incident: http://eutmmali.eu/press-release/
POC: PAO of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Defence Staff Maj Tomas Balkus, +370 5 219 6401, +370 686 28 035.
