LISBON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Tuesday sent his condolences to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on the death of 13 French military personnel in an operation against jihadist groups in Mali.
In a note published on the Portuguese Presidency's website, Rebelo de Sousa, who is also supreme commander of the Armed Forces of Portugal, "expressed condolences, on behalf of all Portuguese, to President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron expressing his solidarity to the family and friends of these military personnel of the French Army."
In a statement issued earlier in day, France announced that 13 French soldiers had died in a collision between two helicopters on Monday night.
Among the dead were six officers, six non-commissioned officers and one corporal, who were part of Operation Barkhane.
This accident brings to 38 the number of French soldiers killed in Mali since the beginning of the French intervention in this African country in 2013.
The previous victim was 24-year-old French Corporal Ronan Pointeau, who was killed by an explosive device in early November. Enditem
