France announces 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 hit their armored vehicle, five days after three others died in similar circumstances.
The soldiers are taking part in an intelligence mission in the Menaka region of northeastern Mali as part of a larger operation to fight Islamist extremists in the Sahel region of Africa.
A third soldier was wounded and is in stable condition, the French army said.
On Monday, three other soldiers were killed in Mali when an improvised explosive device hit the armored vehicle during a military operation in the Hombori area of Mali’s central Mopti province.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “great sadness” in a statement released late Saturday. 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 in Operation Barkhane.
Islamic extremist rebels have been forced to leave power in northern Mali after a French military operation led in 2013. The rebels have 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.