French Soldier Killed In Mali Blast
Muhammad Rameez Published November 05, 2016 | 03:40 PM
PARIS, Nov 5, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 05th Nov, 2016 ) - A French soldier deployed to an anti-Islamist force in Mali died overnight from injuries sustained in a mine blast, the presidency said Saturday.
The man, a non-commissioned officer who was not identified by name, was wounded on Friday when his armoured vehicle struck a mine, it said. French President Francois Hollande "hailed the sacrifice" of the man killed, the statement said.
French soldiers deployed to Mali in early 2013 to help drive back Islamist jihadists who had overrun parts of the west African country, a former French colony.
France's Operation Serval in Mali was later replaced by Operation Barkhane, a broader offensive against Islamist groups with some 3,000 French soldiers deployed in five African countries.
Eighteen French soldiers have been killed since the start of French operations in Mali, including three killed in April when their vehicle also struck a mine in the north. Last month six French troops were wounded in a similar explosion.
Jihadists were driven back from Mali's main cities in the French-led operations but vast swathes of the country remain out of the control of Malian and foreign forces.
Recent Stories
Bugti assures transporters for addressing their problems
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar meets foreign min ..
3 drug peddlers arrested, hashish recovered
1496,990 children given polio drops in five days: DC
Six terrorists killed, hideout busted in N Waziristan IBO: ISPR
Pakistan, Qatar agree to further expand trade, investment ties
Sindh cabinet approves Rs177.5m to strengthen, mobilize various wings of police
Faisal Karim Kundi takes oath as new KP Governor
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Chaudhry seeks more vibrant ..
Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home providing care & support to homeless children
PCB proposes April 7 -May 20 window; tweaks in rules for HBL PSL 2025
Field hospitals now operational across Punjab: Azma Bukhari
More Stories From World
-
Narvaez in the pink after foiling Pogacar to opening Giro stage
2 minutes ago -
Death toll in southern Brazil flood rises to 58
3 minutes ago -
Real Madrid put one hand on title with Cadiz win
3 minutes ago -
London mayor Khan wins historic third term as Tories routed in local polls
23 minutes ago -
Verstappen cruises to sprint race victory at Miami Grand Prix
33 minutes ago -
Verstappen wins sprint race at Miami Grand Prix
43 minutes ago
-
Scholz says attacks on deputies 'threaten' democracy
3 hours ago -
Cyclone bears down on flood-hit Kenya, Tanzania
3 hours ago -
Death toll in southern Brazil flood rises to 56
3 hours ago -
US blames Rwanda for deadly attack on displaced camp in DR Congo
3 hours ago -
Death toll in southern Brazil flood rises to 56
2 hours ago -
Dublin campus encampment erected in pro-Palestinian protest
2 hours ago