Helicopter Collision Kills 13 French Soldiers In Mali

France’s presidency has said that thirteen French troops have died as a result of a helicopter crash in Mali.

BBC reports that French President, Emmanuel Macron, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed his “deep sadness” over the incident.

According to Elysee Palace, the accident happened on Monday evening in a clash between the soldiers and terrorists who have caused wanton destruction of lives and properties in northern Mali.

Mali has been under attack by insurgents since 2012, but military assistance from France have enabled the nation’s armed forces to reclaim the territory.