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The soldiers, on mission in the southern region, were part of Barkhane’s French military operations in Mali.
Three French soldiers died after their armored vehicle struck an IED in the Hombori region of central Mopti province, Mali.
The soldiers were participating in a military operation as part of a larger mission to combat armed groups in Africa’s Sahel region, the French presidency said in a statement on Monday.
French Defense Minister Florence Parly said the soldiers were working “in an area where terrorist groups attack civilians and threaten regional stability”.
France has more than 5,000 troops deployed in West Africa.
Monday’s deaths brought the number of French soldiers killed in Mali to 47 since France first intervened militarily in January 2013 to help repel fighters who had invaded parts of the West African country .
The rebels have regrouped in the desert and are now launching frequent attacks against the Malian army and its allies.
In November, French forces killed Bahag Moussa, a military leader of the North African wing of al-Qaeda.
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