A CHINESE citizen on a U.N. mission in Mali was killed and four other Chinese peacekeepers were injured in a mortar or rocket attack, the Chinese Embassy in Mali said yesterday.

    The Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said Tuesday in a statement that “this evening at approximately 20:45 p.m., the MINUSMA camp in the Water Tower neighborhood of Gao was the target of an attack by mortars or rockets.”

    Previous reports said one blue helmet was killed and three blue helmets were grievously wounded, while more than 10 members of MINUSMA, including civilians, were lightly wounded and have received the necessary medical care, it said.

    The statement said part of container houses were destroyed during the attack and property damage is under evaluation.

    The MINUSMA has dispatched helicopters to carry out air defense and a rapid reaction force to patrol in the city.

    The North African branch of al-Qaida has claimed the attack, monitoring group SITE said yesterday.

    “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and express our heartfelt sympathy to the wounded and the families of the victims,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

    As the attack targeted U.N. peacekeepers, Hua said, it was a terrible, intolerable crime.

    China strongly condemns the terrorist attack and has asked the Mali Government and the U.N. to investigate the incident immediately, Hua said.

    Hua reiterated that the Chinese Government firmly supports international peace and stability in Africa.

    At present, more than 2,400 Chinese peacekeepers are operating in seven African areas including Mali, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hua said.

    China will continue to participate in international peacekeeping operations and contribute to peace and security in Africa.

    (Xinhua)