Somalia sends condolences to France over troops' death in Mali

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has on Tuesday conveyed its condolences to France over the killing of 13 French soldiers during an anti-terror operation in Mali, Garowe Onlne reports.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with the Government of France, the family, and friends of the military personnel of the French Army at this moment of grief and loss.

"The Federal Republic of Somalia affirms its full solidarity with the Government and people of France and extends its sympathies to the families of the victims," read the statement in part.

It added that Somalia stands steadfastly with France in its fight against terrorism. 

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced that 13 French troops were killed in a helicopter accident during an operation against jihadist fighters in southeast Mali on Monday night.

The accident happened when two military helicopters collided while flying at a very low altitude, French media reported, adding that the helicopters were deployed to back up the French troops who were tracking down jihadists in the area.

The loss was among France's biggest in a single military operation, bringing to 38 the death toll of French troops killed in Mali. In 2013, France deployed thousands of troops in Mali to combat extremist rebels and restore security there.

Mali is one of more than 10 countries in the Sahel region, which also includes Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad.

GAROWE ONLINE