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| French soldier killed in northern Mali | French soldier killed in northern Mali |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A French soldier has been killed in Mali, according to the French president's office. | |
| A statement said the soldier - a commando from a parachute regiment - died in the far north of the West African nation. | |
| Six French soldiers have been killed since France launched an operation in Mali in January to drive Islamist rebels from the northern desert region. | Six French soldiers have been killed since France launched an operation in Mali in January to drive Islamist rebels from the northern desert region. |
| France began withdrawing some of its 4,000 troops earlier this month. | France began withdrawing some of its 4,000 troops earlier this month. |
| But 1,000 will remain for now to pursue al-Qaeda linked militants while other international forces concentrate on securing the main cities and roads. | But 1,000 will remain for now to pursue al-Qaeda linked militants while other international forces concentrate on securing the main cities and roads. |
| Some towns and cities have been recaptured by French soldiers but a number of Islamist fighters are believed to remain in their desert hideouts in the north. | Some towns and cities have been recaptured by French soldiers but a number of Islamist fighters are believed to remain in their desert hideouts in the north. |
| The UN recently agreed to create a 12,000-strong peacekeeping force for Mali. | The UN recently agreed to create a 12,000-strong peacekeeping force for Mali. |
| It will incorporate 6,000 West African soldiers already in the country. | It will incorporate 6,000 West African soldiers already in the country. |
| In the French government statement, President Francois Hollande extended his condolences to the relatives of the soldier killed and praised the determination and courage of French forces in Mali. |