In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, it urged all concerned parties to refrain from any actions that could further complicate the operation.

But it later said that its withdrawing convoy had been attacked twice, with three injured people evacuated to Timbuktu for treatment. 

The UN further noted that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. 

It came after the Malian Armed Forces (FaMa) said that at least seven of its soldiers had been killed and eight others injured in clashes with former rebels under the Coordination of Movements of Azawad (CMA).

In a statement, Malian troops also said its army killed 28 rebels and took control of Ber as part of the transfer of sites occupied by the UN peacekeeping force.

The statement made no mention of ex-separatists who accuse the Malian army of wanting to occupy Minusma positions in CMA-controlled areas, in violation of the May 2014 Algiers peace agreement.