French soldier killed in clash with terrorists in Mali: gov't statement

A French soldier was killed in a "clash with terrorists" on Wednesday night during an operation in southeastern Mali, French President Francois Hollande's office said Thursday.

The master corporal of the 6th Engineer Regiment of Angers, Julien Barbe, was shot dead overnight during a clash with terrorists, the statement said.

Hollande paid tribute to "the sacrifice of this soldier killed during his mission's accomplishment for the defense of our country and the protection of citizens."

In a separate statement, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Barbe succumbed to his injuries after armed extremists opened fire on a group of military officers who intervened following an explosion which hit a light armored vehicle and wounded two soldiers.

A total of 17 French soldiers have been killed so far in Mali since France launched its military offensive in January 2013 to crack down on Islamist fighters who seized control of Mali's northern region a year earlier.

The French-led intervention drove out terrorists from strongholds in northern Mali, but sporadic attacks continue, forcing Paris and African countries to deploy 4,000 troops in the Sahel region to try restore security. Endit