FILE - This Feb. 10, 2013, file photo shows French soldiers securing the evacuation of foreigners during exchanges of fire with jihadists in Gao, northern Mali. Promises of a pullout of France's 4,000 troops in Mali starting next month are looking harder and harder to fulfill. The fighting in rugged mountain terrain is growing tougher and threats of suicide bombings and hostage-takings are getting worse. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)
3rd French soldier killed in Mali combat
Published: 11:30:19 AM, Sun 03 March 2013 UTC
PARIS (AP) — A French soldier has been killed in combat in Mali, the third to die in the military campaign to retake the north of the African country from jihadists.
Parachutist Corporal Cedric Charenton was killed Saturday night in an assault in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains, where the jihadists have retrenched as French troops have swept through the country's north.
Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Saturday night's fighting was some of the most violent since the campaign began on Jan. 11. The 26-year-old had already served in Afghanistan, Gabon and New Caledonia.
While the French initially hoped the intervention would end quickly, officials now say French troops will stay in Mali at least until July, as fighting intensifies.
Tags:
culture_politics, africa, france, saturday night, military, french language, military campaign, soldier, mali, combat, french people, african country, new caledonia, french troops, jihadists, french soldier, ifoghas mountains, parachutist corporal cedric, minister jean-yves le, mali combat
