3 killed, 6 hurt in attack on Malian military near Timbuktu

BAMAKO, Mali – The Malian military says a convoy came under attack not far from the town of Timbuktu in the country's volatile north.

Lt. Col. Diarran Kone, an adviser to the Malian Defense Ministry, confirmed the attack Wednesday. Security officials in Timbuktu said three soldiers were killed and six others wounded.

Northern Mali was occupied in 2012 by al-Qaida and other jihadist groups before a French military operation forced them from power.

The extremists have increasingly targeted the Malian military and international peacekeepers working to stabilize the country.

Earlier Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council voted to increase the peacekeeping mission's force by more than 2,500 troops. The council also authorized an increase in mine-protected vehicles.