BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — A spokesman for the U.N. mission in Mali says three of its peacekeepers have been wounded in the country’s far north.

Spokesman Olivier Salgado said a U.N. vehicle hit a land mine Tuesday morning near the peacekeepers’ base in Kidal. He said they were lightly wounded and being taken to Gao for medical treatment.

Kidal is home to a separatist rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs and al-Qaida-linked militants are also active in the area.

The situation there has remained tense since a French-led military operation ousted jihadists from power in the major towns across northern Mali in early 2013.

Attacks by extremists have continued despite the presence of French, U.N. and Malian forces.

In February, two medical aid workers were injured when their vehicle hit a land mine in Kidal.

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