13 French soldiers killed in Mali

Two French helicopters have collided in Mali during a night operation, killing 13. A French Tiger attack helicopter and Cougar transport were involved. This brings to 41 the number of French soldiers killed during Operation Barkhane. Troops are fighting Islamic Extremists that have killed over 100 local troops in the last two months.

This is a breaking story.

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Washington Post

originally posted by: Zaphod58
Two French helicopters have collided in Mali during a night operation, killing 13. A French Tiger attack helicopter and Cougar transport were involved. This brings to 41 the number of French soldiers killed during Operation Barkhane. Troops are fighting Islamic Extremists that have killed over 100 local troops in the last two months.

This is a breaking story.

abcnews.go.com...

www.bbc.com...

Washington Post

Saddening news indeed.

My son is in the French army and will be going active duty in Mali in January for 4 months or maybe more...

😔

originally posted by: Lagomorphe

originally posted by: Zaphod58
Two French helicopters have collided in Mali during a night operation, killing 13. A French Tiger attack helicopter and Cougar transport were involved. This brings to 41 the number of French soldiers killed during Operation Barkhane. Troops are fighting Islamic Extremists that have killed over 100 local troops in the last two months.

This is a breaking story.

abcnews.go.com...

www.bbc.com...

Washington Post

Saddening news indeed.

My son is in the French army and will be going active duty in Mali in January for 4 months or maybe more...

😔

I can understand your concern. I sincerely hope he stays safe. Please thank him for his service.

originally posted by: LogicalGraphitti

originally posted by: Lagomorphe

originally posted by: Zaphod58
Two French helicopters have collided in Mali during a night operation, killing 13. A French Tiger attack helicopter and Cougar transport were involved. This brings to 41 the number of French soldiers killed during Operation Barkhane. Troops are fighting Islamic Extremists that have killed over 100 local troops in the last two months.

This is a breaking story.

abcnews.go.com...

www.bbc.com...

Washington Post

Saddening news indeed.

My son is in the French army and will be going active duty in Mali in January for 4 months or maybe more...

😔

I can understand your concern. I sincerely hope he stays safe. Please thank him for his service.

I will the next time I see him Logic.

4 lads from his regiment were killed in the accident (Chasseur Alpin)

Lags

a reply to: Lagomorphe

Best of luck to him, Lagomorphe.

Cheers

The thirteen soldiers who lost their life are the two crew members of the Tiger, belonging to the 5e Régiment d’hélicoptères de combat (5e RHC), the five crew members of the Cougar, belonging to the same unit of the Tiger, four special operators of the Groupement commandos montagne (GCM) du 4e Régiment de chasseurs (4e RCH), an operator of the 93e Régiment d’artillerie de montagne (93e RAM) and operator of the 2e Régiment étranger du génie (2e REG).

theaviationist.com...

Very sad news

Sad news to be sure.

Where is Mali anyway?

Mali is a large desert country North west of Africa , it is a South neighbour of Algeria, there is 4000 French soldiers fighting terrorists in this Area. The size of the Mali is like California+Nevada+Utah+New Mexico its a very vast desert area, its complicate to fight in.

originally posted by: darksidius
Mali is a large desert country North west of Africa , it is a South neighbour of Algeria, there is 4000 French soldiers fighting terrorists in this Area.

Yes, not so well known in the States is that France has conducted numerous military operations in NW Africa since the colonial era ended.

French Army must be stretched. Not only do they regularly hunt guerilla forces in NW Africa, they also have 10% of the army on indefinite deployment supporting internal security operations in France itself.

Cheers

originally posted by: F2d5thCavv2

originally posted by: darksidius
Mali is a large desert country North west of Africa , it is a South neighbour of Algeria, there is 4000 French soldiers fighting terrorists in this Area.

Yes, not so well known in the States is that France has conducted numerous military operations in NW Africa since the colonial era ended.

French Army must be stretched. Not only do they regularly hunt guerilla forces in NW Africa, they also have 10% of the army on indefinite deployment supporting internal security operations in France itself.

Cheers

They are also deployed in French Guyana in the combat against illegal gold mining. (Operation Harpie)

My son came back a couple of weeks ago after a 4 month stint over there.

Lags

Pilot error, obviously.

The gunship should be away from the troop ship to cover it properly. No need for close formation at night.

RIP

a reply to: F2d5thCavv2
You are right the French military budget will grow in coming years, the most of the fight of terrorists in West Africa is made by the French Army with the US Forces in support with Drones and satellites.

a reply to: Salander
Surely, realy to close for a night flight.

Posted on social media tonight-

capitaine Nicolas MÉGARD, 35, married and a father of 3

Capitaine Benjamin GIREUD, 32, single

Capitaine Clément FRISONROCHE, 28, married and a father of 1

Capitaine Romain CHOMEL de JARNIEU,34 , single

Lieutenant Alex MORISSE, 31, engaged

Lieutenant Pierre BOCKEL, 28, in a relationship and soon to be father

Adjudant-Chef Julien CARETTE, 32, in a relationship and a father of 2

Maréchal des logis-chef Alexandre PROTIN, 33, in a relationship

Maréchal des logis-chef Jérémy LEUSIE, 33, engaged

Sergent-chef Andreï JOUK, 43, married and a father of 4

Maréchal des logis Antoine SERRE, 22, in a relationship

Maréchal des logis Valentin DUVAL, 24, single

Brigadier-chef Romain SALLES-DE-SAINT-PAUL, 35, father of 2

a reply to: Zaphod58
Thank you for them RIP Soldiers

originally posted by: Zaphod58
Posted on social media tonight-

capitaine Nicolas MÉGARD, 35, married and a father of 3

Capitaine Benjamin GIREUD, 32, single

Capitaine Clément FRISONROCHE, 28, married and a father of 1

Capitaine Romain CHOMEL de JARNIEU,34 , single

Lieutenant Alex MORISSE, 31, engaged

Lieutenant Pierre BOCKEL, 28, in a relationship and soon to be father

Adjudant-Chef Julien CARETTE, 32, in a relationship and a father of 2

Maréchal des logis-chef Alexandre PROTIN, 33, in a relationship

Maréchal des logis-chef Jérémy LEUSIE, 33, engaged

Sergent-chef Andreï JOUK, 43, married and a father of 4

Maréchal des logis Antoine SERRE, 22, in a relationship

Maréchal des logis Valentin DUVAL, 24, single

Brigadier-chef Romain SALLES-DE-SAINT-PAUL, 35, father of 2

Thank you Zaph in recognition of all allied soldiers who sacrifice their lives for freedom throughout our planet.

From an ex Brit vet with a son in the French army.

Lags