Mine blast kills French soldier in northern Mali

PARIS – Officials say a French soldier has been killed in northern Mali after a mine exploded beneath an armored vehicle.

The defense ministry said Tuesday that Pfc. Mickael Poo Sing was travelling in a logistics convoy heading north from Gao on Friday when the explosion hit. Three other soldiers were wounded in the blast.

In a statement, President Francois Hollande extended his "deep respect for the sacrifice of this young solider" and called for solidarity.

About 3,500 French troops are engaged in the Barkhane Operation, which aims to fight jihadi groups in the Sahel.

Last month, gunmen launched an attack on the EU military training mission's headquarters in the Malian capital, Bamako — the latest in a series of attacks on Western interests in the region.