U.N.: Mali suicide bomb attack kills 3, wounds 16

April 15, 2015 12:00 am • Last Updated: April 16, 2015 9:27 am

FILE - In this file photo taken on Saturday, March 7, 2015, armed forces provide security for the nightclub, seen rear, that was attacked by gunmen in Bamako, Mali. A new report says that armed groups in Mali are carrying out a growing number of attacks, and that the violence is taking place closer to the capital than ever. Human Rights Watch said Tuesday, April 14, 2015, that militants are increasingly active in central Mali, where they have targeted civilians accused of supporting French and U.N. forces. (AP Photo/Harouna Traore,File)

BAMAKO, Mali — The U.N. mission in Mali says a suicide bomber has attacked a peacekeeping base, killing at least three people.

In a statement released Wednesday, the U.N. mission known as MINUSMA said that the attack had taken place around 11:30 a.m. in the town of Ansongo in Mali's northern Gao region.

At least nine peacekeepers were wounded along with seven civilians.

The renewed violence came Wednesday as peace talks began in Algeria between the Malian government and various armed groups who are active in northern Mali.

According to Human Rights Watch, at least 35 peacekeepers have been killed and more than 130 wounded since the U.N. mission began in July 2013.

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