Paris confirms French hostage kidnapped by Qaeda killed in Mali
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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)
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."