MOSCOW, November 16 (Sputnik) — A UN convoy comprising three vehicles was hit by an explosion in Iraq, though all the staff members remain safe and uninjured, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said Sunday.
"A United Nations convoy of three (3) vehicles proceeding from the Baghdad International Airport to the International Zone was hit with at least one explosion this morning," the organization said in a statement. "No UN personnel were killed or injured in the incident and all proceeded safely back to the UN Compound."
UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Iraq Nickolay Mladenov said the incident would not stop the United Nations' efforts to support Iraq and Iraqi people.
"I want to praise the UN security teams whose professionalism has ensured that no staff member was injured or killed today. I look forward to working together with the Government of Iraq in ensuring that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice," UNAMI quoted Mladenov as adding.
The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq was established in 2003 by the UN Security Council following a request by the Iraqi government. UNAMI is mandated to advance political dialogue, assist in electoral processes and promote the protection of human rights.
The mission is also tasked with coordinating the humanitarian efforts of the UN agencies in collaboration with the Iraqi government's representatives.
Iraq is currently suffering from the advance of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group that launched attacks in Iraq in June 2014. A US-led international coalition of more than 60 states is currently carrying out airstrikes against the militant group's positions in Iraq and Syria, where the group has been fighting since 2012.
