UNSC criticizes attacks against peacekeepers in CAR

The UN Security Council on Monday condemned "in the strongest terms" the attacks against UN peacekeeping mission in Central Africa Republic, in which one peacekeeper was killed.

Peacekeepers from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic ( MINUSCA) were attacked by an armed group during a search operation intended to arrest a suspected criminal in application of a judicial warrant from the Public Prosecutor of Bangui. One peacekeeper was killed and eight were injured, according to the UN.

The 15-nation body underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute a war crime and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, said a press statement released here.

The members of the Council called on the Central African authorities to swiftly investigate, with the assistance of MINUSCA, this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice, said the statement.

MINUSCA was set up in April 2014 with the mandate to protect civilians from violence, support the country's transition process and facilitate humanitarian assistance.

The UN Security Council in April renewed the mandate of MINUSCA for a year until April 30, 2016 with its mandate largely unchanged.