French soldier killed fighting IS in Iraq-Syria zone

A French parachutist was killed while participating in the fight against Islamic State militants in the Iraq-Syria military zone, President Macron said on Saturday.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

24 September, 2017

The death is believed to be the first French casualty in the anti-IS fight [Getty]

A French special forces parachutist has been killed while participating in the fight against extremists in Syria and Iraq, France's President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday.

Macron hailed the warrant officer's sacrifice while "accomplishing his mission for the defence of our country, the protection of our fellow citizens, and the fight against barbarism".

However, the Elysee Palace would not say whether the fatality occurred in Syria or Iraq, where France is assisting the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group.

The coalition confirmed the death, issuing a statement that said: "A French Coalition service member was killed in a combat-related incident in the Middle East Sept. 23."

Military sources told AFP that it was the first French casualty since France's Operation Chammal was launched in September 2014.