Three Senegalese soldiers were killed and three others wounded in an accidental explosion during a cannabis field destruction operation in northern Sindian, where the army is continuing its security campaign.
The incident was an accidental explosion that occurred Tuesday morning in northern Sindian, in Military Zone No. 5, according to a statement by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces (DIRPA).
According to DIRPA, the explosion took place during operations to destroy cannabis fields near the border with The Gambia. Three other soldiers wounded in the blast were evacuated and are receiving medical care.
The statement noted that these operations, which have been underway for more than a week, have resulted in the neutralisation of several individuals belonging to armed groups involved in cannabis cultivation — an activity that poses a serious threat to the safety of local communities.
The Senegalese army confirmed that units are continuing operations in the area, with the objectives of tracking down and neutralising armed individuals, combating cannabis cultivation and securing the local population and their property.
ARD/Sf/lb/as/APA