PARIS – Islamic State claimed Thursday that its West African branch wasresponsible for a helicopter collision in northern Mali this week in whichmore than a dozen French soldiers were killed, said the U.S.-based SITEIntelligence Group, which monitors extremist content online.
The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) said the helicopterscollided after one of them retreated under fire from ISWAP fighters,according to SITE.
Thirteen French soldiers were killed in the incident Monday, French mediareported.
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement, saying he “saluteswith the greatest respect the memory of these soldiers — six officers, sixnon-commissioned officers and one corporal who died for France in the hardfight against terrorism in the Sahel.”
The soldiers were part of France’s anti-terror mission in West Africa.
Since August 2014, France has deployed around 4,500 troops as part of theanti-insurgent Operation Barkhane in five West African countries: BurkinaFaso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.
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It aids in the fight against militant groups in the Sahel region,especially in Mali.
Macron said Thursday he had ordered his military to assess its operationsagainst militants in West Africa and all options are open following thedeaths of its 13 soldiers in a combat mission.
“France is acting in the Sahel on everyone’s behalf,” French media quotedhim as saying at a news conference with NATO General-Secretary JensStoltenberg.
“Our mission there is important. Nevertheless, the situation we facecompels me today to examine all our strategic options.”
