The United Nations has urged Malian authorities to act swiftly to apprehend those responsible for separate attacks on Thursday against peacekeepers under the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The first attack occurred in the Kidal region and killed an Egyptian and seriously injured another peacekeeper, while the second attack that was carried out in Timbuktu and wounded at least one Burkinabe peacekeeper.

"The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He calls on the Malian authorities to take urgent steps to apprehend and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice," said Stéphane Dujarric, the U.N. Spokesman.

The U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families as well as the people and Governments of Egypt and Mali.

On his part, MINUSMA Force Commander, Dennis Gyllensporre, also expressed his condolences, and underlined the Mission's determination to carry out its mandate. 

"Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, his wounded comrade as well as his brothers and sisters in arms. Our determination to pursue our missions remains unshakeable," he said.

MINUSMA has operated in Mali since 2013 following a military coup and the occupation of the north by radical Islamists.