French military adviser shot in Malian capital in rare attack, embassy says

BAMAKO, Mali – The French Embassy in Mali says a French military adviser has been wounded by gunfire in the capital, Bamako.

Didier Nourisson, a spokesman for the embassy, said Friday that the man was shot by an unidentified individual. An investigation is ongoing, he said without giving further details.

France launched a military offensive in January to oust radical jihadists who had overtaken the major towns across northern Mali. The French military has since reduced its presence but still has about 3,200 members in its former colony.

Northern Mali has seen suicide bombing and mortar attacks aimed at French forces, but violent crime targeting foreigners in the capital, in the south, is rare.

The shooting comes days before Mali is to hold legislative elections nationwide.