Three French soldiers killed in explosion in Mali

Three French soldiers deployed to Mali to combat Islamist terrorism were killed when their armoured vehicle hit an improvised bomb, the Elysee Palace said in a statement late on Monday. They had been conducting an operation in the region of Hombori in the West African country, which is a former French colony.

French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the deaths by expressing his condolences and offering the nation's respect and solidarity.

He praised the soldiers for their bravery and reaffirmed France's commitment to fighting terrorism.

France has a huge military presence across West Africa; around 5,100 soldiers make up its anti-insurgent operation Barkhane in the restive Sahel region.

The area is home to several armed groups, several of which have sworn their allegiance to Islamic State or al-Qaeda. (dpa)