Impeccable reaction of the Spanish soldiers to the attack in Koulikoro (Mali)

The reaction of the Protection Force led by the Spanish Army was key to prevent major damage in the terrorist attack suffered in the early morning of 24th February at the base of Koulikoro (Mali), and in which four Malian soldiers were injured.

This Force, mainly constituted by the 7th 'Galicia' Brigade on this occasion, had to face the attack that started at three in the morning. When arriving at the premises of the Centre, the passsengers of one of the vehicles got out of it and began to shoot from the vinicity of one of the secondary entrance gates. Later, the vehicles headed to the main access. The Spanish soldiers who were on duty repelled the first of the vehicles, which would have caused the explosion of tthe driver´s vest. The second driver, when seeing that the first one could not enter the camp, provoked the explosion near the central gate, without causing great damage. Thankfully, were was no loss of life, although two Malian soldiers were injured, and quickly assisted by the medical services.

The Koulikoro base is the main centre of the Training Mission the European Union has in Mali. Its aim is to train the Malian troops, so that they can be in charge of their own security.

Around twenty countries participate in the mission. Spain is one of the main contributors with about 300 soldiers. Furthermore, it currently leads the Protection Force.
 

Sky view of the access to the base after the explosion (Photo: EMAD)