the Centre of Mali has in recent years been plagued by jihadistiskt violence. al-Qaeda’s branch in north Africa is held responsible for much of the violence, particularly in the central and northern parts of the country.
the UN peacekeeping operation Minusma has been going on in the country since 2013. Sweden contributes with a underrättelseförband and officers serving in different functions.
– There are no swedes who have been involved in the attack, it is a bit away from us, ” says Magnus Lindstedt communicator at the Swedish armed Forces.