Three UN blue helmets killed in CAR

The United Nations said Tuesday three forces from Bangladesh have been killed in Central African Republic (CAR) by an explosive device in the north of the African country.

“Three peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), from the Bangladeshi battalion, lost their lives on the night of Monday, October 3, following the explosion of an explosive device near the village of Kaita, about 3 km from Koui, in the Ouham-Pendé prefecture,” the UN said in a statement.

Several other forces sustained injuries in the explosion.

The MINUSCA also indicated that the victims are members of the Bangladeshi battalion that was conducting a patrol as part of its mission to protect the civilian population, “when one of his vehicles struck an explosive device”.

“I am deeply saddened by this incident which resulted in the death of three peacekeepers,” said in a statement, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in CAR and head of MINUSCA, Valentine Rugwabiza.

Between January and August this year, 63 people including 40 civilians have been wounded in 41 accidents and incidents caused by explosive devices, a UN report issued last month said.