Government
Jihad War: 13 French Soldiers Killed in Mali
- Jihad War: 13 French Soldiers Killed in Mali
The French presidency on Tuesday announced the death of thirteen french soldiers fighting jihadists in Mali.
According to the statement, the thirteen soldiers were killed in an accident between two helicopters, the president office described it as a single biggest loss since intervening in the region in 2013.
“The president announces with deep sadness the death of 13 French troops in Mali on the evening of Nov. 25, in an accident between their two helicopters during a combat mission against jihadists,” the statement from the president’s office said.
While the circumstances surrounding the accident were unclear at the moment, the Minister of the French Armed Forces, Florence Parly, said the accident occurred while the helicopters were in flight.
The minister named the two helicopters involved in the accident as Tigar and Cougar, adding that the operation took place in central Mali.
“They were supporting commandos from the Barkhane force who were engaged with armed terrorists,” the ministry said in a statement.