Foreign Office Minister Mr Duddridge said:

I am shocked and saddened by reports that nine Nigerien soldiers serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, MINUSMA, have been killed in an ambush in eastern Mali. I condemn this attack without reservation. Attacks on representatives of the UN are unacceptable and unjustifiable. My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and colleagues of those killed and injured in the attack, and with the governments and people of Mali and Niger.

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