Paris confirms French hostage kidnapped by Qaeda killed in Mali

Philippe Verdon is pictured on January 6, 2004. French President Francois Hollande on Monday "formally confirmed" the death of Verdon at the hands of his Al-Qaeda captors in Mali. (AFP/File)

PARIS (AFP) – French President Francois Hollande on Monday "formally confirmed" the death of French hostage Philippe Verdon at the hands of his Al-Qaeda captors in Mali.

"The death of our compatriot Mr Philippe Verdon is formally confirmed," Hollande said in a statement. "The remains will be transferred to our country as soon as possible and the autopsy will reveal the causes of his death."