The Canadian Forces' peacekeeping mission in Mali is going to last a little longer than previously planned - but not as long as the United Nations hoped.

The Canadian peacekeeping contingent in Mali, comprising eight military helicopters and 250 service members, is scheduled to end its 12-month mission at the end of July.

Canada currently has six helicopters and 250 support troops based near the northern Mali city of Gao. They are due to leave on July 31.

Islamic militants recently launched attacks on both a UN peacekeeping convoy and a Malian military camp in the country's north, killing at least three people.