Mali: the Elysee announces the death of a French soldier in operation
The death of Master Corporal Maxime Blasco brings to 52 the number of French soldiers killed in the Sahel since 2013 (illustrative image) AFP - DAPHNE BENOIT
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A French soldier was killed in action in Mali on Friday morning, the French presidency announced in the evening, expressing "
particularly strong emotion
" from President Emmanuel Macron, who "
reaffirms France's determination in its fight against terrorism
”.
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Master Corporal Maxime Blasco, of the 7th Battalion of Alpine Chasseurs of Varces (Isère), died in action "
against an armed terrorist group
".
According to the army staff, the victim was killed "
during a reconnaissance and harassment operation conducted by the Barkhane Force in the Malian Gourma
", in the region of Gossi, near the border between the Mali and Burkina Faso.
“
Elements of an armed terrorist group were detected by a Reaper drone early in the morning, in the N'Daki forest.
A patrol of two attack helicopters was quickly engaged to neutralize them,
”continued the staff.
A group of commandos from the Barkhane force was then deployed on the ground to recognize the area of engagement.
“
The commando group was taken at close range by other elements of the terrorist armed group.
During this action, Master Corporal Maxime Blasco was hit by a sniper, which was neutralized by the commandos.
Very seriously injured, Master Corporal Maxime Blasco quickly succumbed to his injuries,
”according to the army press release.
His death brings to 52 the number of French soldiers killed in the Sahel since 2013 in the anti-jihadist operations Serval and then Barkhane.
On January 2, two soldiers including a woman, both from the 2nd Hussar Regiment of Haguenau (Bas-Rhin), were killed in their light armored vehicle (LAV) by an "
improvised explosive device
", during a mission of reconnaissance and intelligence.
Five days before, three soldiers of the 1st regiment of hunters of Thierville-sur-Meuse (Meuse) had also been victims of a homemade bomb.
Both fatal attacks were claimed by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
(with agencies)
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