13 French soldiers in a helicopter accident, killed

In the case of a collision of two military helicopters came in the West African crisis, the state of Mali 13 French soldiers were killed. The accident occurred on Monday evening during a combat mission against the jihadis.

This is the presidential Palace in Paris said on Tuesday. According to the French Ministry of defense, a Cougar, together, sparked a helicopter and a Tiger combat helicopter.

The commands to be pursued, therefore, a group of terrorists who had been discovered a few hours before, and with Pickup Trucks and motorcycles were on the road. Against 19.40, the two helicopters collided at low altitude. None of the occupants survived. The accident occurred in the Malian Liptako.

among the dead is, according to the Elysee to six officers, six sergeants and a corporal. According to the mayor François Bayrou, seven of the soldiers came from the southern French city of Pau. For France, they were true heroes, said Bayrou on Twitter. "For our city, for us, they are our precious children."

Macron speaks of the "13 heroes"

the President of France Emmanuel Macron said the families his condolences and paid tribute to the courage of the soldiers. They had died for France "in the hard battle against terrorism" in the Sahel region, he wrote on Twitter. "These 13 heroes only had one goal, to protect: us. I bow to the pain of their Loved ones and comrades," he said. Premier Édouard Philippe, via Twitter, said: "These for their country fallen heroes, we owe all of our infinite gratitude."

France is fighting in Mali and other countries of the Sahel region of the force "Barkhane" against Islamist terrorists. About 4500 soldiers. In Mali, up to 1100 German Bundeswehr soldiers are deployed. They are part of a UN Mission for the stabilization of the country.

In the countries of the Sahel - an area of the Sahara from the Atlantic to the Red sea extends South - are a number of armed groups are active, some of the terrorist organizations Islamic state (IS) or al-Qaeda, the sworn Loyalty to. (sda)

Created: 26.11.2019, 11:54 PM