A French soldier was accidentally killed in Mali during the night between Saturday and Sunday, during an airborne operation carried out in the Almoustarat region in the north-east of the country, the Élysée Palace announced in a statement released on Sunday.
"The President of the Republic was saddened to learn of the accidental death last night in Mali of a soldier from the 1st Parachute Chasseurs Regiment of Pamiers", according to the French Presidency. Emmanuel Macron "pays tribute to the memory of this French soldier who was killed whilst carrying out his duty to defend our country and protect our fellow citizens" and "extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and comrades-in-arms". Also, he "expresses its confidence in and pride in the French military personnel who are courageously fighting terrorist armed groups in the Sahel" and "reiterates France’s support for Mali and the United Nations force in implementing the peace agreement".