The French military in Mali was attacked, several people were wounded, and helicopters were sent to evacuate them, France24 TV channel reported, citing sources.
It is reported that the French military, operating in the framework of the anti-terrorist operation “Barkhan”, were injured in a car bomb explosion in the Gossi area in central Mali. According to an eyewitness, several helicopters were sent from the city of Gao to evacuate the victims.
Mali, a country in the African region of the Sahel, is one of the most problematic states in Africa due to terrorist activities and illegal migration. In 2014, France launched the Barkhan anti-terrorist operation in the region. This mission is supported by the regional structure of the Sahel Five (G5), which includes Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Chad.
Earlier, French leader Emmanuel Macron said that France would change the model of its military presence in the Sahel region and that Operation Barkhan in its current form would be completed.