13 French soldiers killed in helicopter crash in Mali

By Felix Tih

ANKARA (AA) - Thirteen French soldiers were killed on Monday when two helicopters collided in northern Mali, French media reported on Tuesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron in a statement remembered the soldiers with utmost respect.

"[..] These soldiers of the army [...] fallen in operation and dead for France in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel," said the presidency in a statement.

The soldiers were part of France's anti-terror mission in West Africa.

Since August 2014, France's anti-insurgent Operation Barkhane has had around 4,500 troops deployed in five West African countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad.

It aids in the fight against militant groups in the Sahel region, especially in Mali.