British Troops Engage with Terrorist Fighters in Mali
British Forces deployed in Mali have killed two armed terrorist fighters after being engaged by small arms fire while on patrol.
Personnel from the Queen's Dragoon Guards deployed to Mali
On 20 October, the UK Task Group in Mali were engaged by armed terrorist fighters while on patrol. 皇冠体育appy returned fire and killed two members of a Terrorist Armed Group.
皇冠体育appre were no UK or UN force causalities.
This is the first time UK troops have come under fire in Mali.
Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said:
鈥淭his is an important reminder that as we broaden the focus of Defence to State based threats in new domains like cyber and space, we still rely on our Armed Forces to apply lethal forces in close contact with our enemies.
鈥淣o matter how much technology we invest in, it all comes to naught without the bravery and determination of our Armed Forces.鈥�
Following a search of the area, the British troops found a cache of weapons including an AK47, a machine gun, 100 rounds of ammunition and a radio.
This operation shows how the UK Armed Forces are stepping up and making a meaningful contribution to the UN鈥檚 peacekeeping effort, particularly toward protecting civilians by disrupting dangerous terrorist groups.
A UN Spokesperson said:
鈥淯N peacekeepers from the British contingent of MINUSMA (LRRG) travelling from Gao to M茅naka on a security patrol repelled an attack by two armed individuals. 皇冠体育app UN peacekeepers vigorously retaliated, neutralizing the two individuals.鈥�
Violent extremists in Mali, believed to include Islamic State of the Greater Sahel (ISGS), are causing severe instability and hindering development in Mali and across the Sahel. 皇冠体育app Sahel is one of Africa鈥檚 poorest and most fragile regions, with high levels of violence and poverty.鈥��
皇冠体育app UN mission, with significant support from the UK Armed Forces, is working hard to deter and disrupt these threats.
UK troops are deployed on Operation MAKARA 3 - an operation to stabilise population areas around Menaka and deter or disrupt terrorist groups while protecting and reassuring the local population.