France mourns three soldiers killed by IED in Mali

Three French soldiers died in Mali on Monday as ir armoured vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in a military operation aimed at fighting Islamist extremists in Africa's Sahel region, French presidency anunced.

soldiers were taking part in a military operation in Hombori area of Mali's central Mopti province, statement said.

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute "with greatest respect" to soldiers who died while accomplishing ir mission. He recalled France's determination to "pursue fight against terrorism" in region.

French Defence Minister Florence Parly said soldiers were operating "in an area where terrorist groups are attacking civilians and threatening regional stability."

y were involved in a mission aiming at helping Mali to gradually be able to ensure its own security, she said in a statement, without providing furr details.

France has more than 5,000 troops in a force called Barkhane in West Africa to help fight extremist groups.

Islamic extremist rebels were forced from power in rrn Mali after a 2013 French-led military operation, but regrouped in desert and w launch frequent attacks on Malian army and its allies.