UNITED NATIONS –  A U.N. peacekeeping official says nine peacekeepers are believed to have been killed and others were wounded in an ambush in northern Mali.

The official said a U.N. convoy heading from Menaka to Asongo was attacked at about 9:30 a.m. local time Friday. It’s the latest in a string of deadly attacks on the force.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the casualties have not been confirmed, said the ambush took place 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Indelimane in the northern Gao region. The U.N. didn’t identify their nationality.

Last month, a roadside bomb killed five peacekeepers and wounded several other Chadian troops near the embattled city of Kidal. Mines killed five other peacekeepers last month.

Peace talks have begun between the Malian government and Tuareg rebels.