Officials in Mali have told reporters that militants in the country have killed at least two Chadian soldiers who are serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mandate in a suicide car bomb in northern part of the country.

Vehicle carrying the peacekeeping troops was ambushed at a checkpoint with heavy weapons including machine guns and explosive weapons leading to the death of the soldiers.

A Malian army source told reporters that the troops were taken by surprise but they managed to also gun down six of the militants and that they have officially informed the Chadian government about the deaths.

“Jihadists attacked the positions of the Chadian army in Tessalit with heavy arms and car bombs. Two Chadian troops have been killed and four suicide bombers were also killed on the spot and a civilian also died as well,’’ the source said.

Six other nationals of the troops were also wounded in the attack

Local reporters in Chad say the Chadian military has issued a statement the capital N’Djamena, confirming the death of the troops.

“Terrorists blew up their vehicle at a checkpoint manned by the Chadian army, we lost two of our men, may their soul rest in peace,’’ the statement reads.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack and called for total resistance against the militants in Mali.

“This attack will not deter the determination of the United Nations to support the restoration of security, stability and sustainable peace in Mali,” Mr. Ban said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the offensive, but many are suspecting Al-Qaeda linked group the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) as being behind the attack.

Colonial master France has some 3,000 troops in its former colony but Frances plans to withdraw their forces and leave to 1,000 men to provide technical support for the United Nations troops.

The 2,000 Chadian soldiers of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) were at the forefront of the operation, losing at least 38 men in battle, with the heaviest fighting taking place in the northeastern Ifoghas Mountains.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News

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