A group of armed individuals attacked a Malian army post in Boulkessi, central Mali, near the border with Burkina Faso, killing somewhere in the region of a dozen soldiers and injuring several others.

The European Union expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this act, the perpetrators of which must be brought to justice. The European Union reiterates its full support for the Malian Government in the fight against the terrorist threat in Mali and across the whole region.

In any event, the European Union encourages the signatories of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali to continue their efforts to implement that agreement fully and without delay, which is the best response to the enemies of peace in Mali.