France has announced that two French soldiers were killed in the African nation of Mali when an improvised explosive device hit their armored vehicle
PARIS – The French presidency announced that two French soldiers were killed in Mali on Saturday when an improvised explosive device struck their armored vehicle, five days after three other people died in similar circumstances.
Soldiers were taking part in an intelligence mission to the northeastern Mali region of Menaka as part of a larger operation aimed at fighting Islamist extremists in the African region of the Sahel.
A third soldier has been wounded and is in stable condition, the French army said.
On Monday, three other soldiers were killed in Mali when an improvised explosive device struck their armored vehicle during a military operation in the Hombori area of Mopti’s central province.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “great sadness” in a statement released on Saturday afternoon. He reaffirmed France’s determination “in its fight against terrorism” and paid tribute to the “courage” of French soldiers.
France has more than 5,000 troops deployed in West Africa to help fight extremist groups as part of Operation Barkhane.
Islamic extremist rebels were forced to relinquish power in northern Mali after a French-led military operation in 2013. The rebels regrouped in the desert and are now launching frequent attacks on the Malian army and its allies.
These deaths bring to 50 the number of French soldiers killed in the Sahel region since 2013.