Posted on 11/26/2019 12:58:34 PM PST by BenLurkin
An investigation has begun into how the two helicopters hit each other.
Thousands of French troops have been deployed in Mali since 2013 after militants overran parts of the north.
Mali's army has since recaptured the territory but insecurity continues and the violence has spread to neighbouring countries.
France now has 4,500 troops deployed to support the forces of Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad against the jihadists.
French Defence Minister Florence Parly vowed that her country would not turn its back on the fight against terrorism after the deadly collision.
It happened in darkness around 19:40 local time (also GMT) on Monday near the borders of Burkina Faso and Niger where the aircraft were reinforcing ground troops who were pursuing militants, the French military say.
A Tiger attack helicopter hit a Cougar military transport mid-air as it manoeuvred to engage the militants, who were fleeing on motorbikes and in pick-up trucks.
The two aircraft crashed not far from each other, killing everyone on board including six commandos and an officer.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
I didn’t know France had any troops.
Ha ha ha - you’re an idiot.
Terrible for the families left behind.
It could be sabotage, but sometimes, accidents do happen, especially during sudden flare-ups of confrontation.
Teams go through drills, but the real event often plays out differently.
FFL?
French involvement in Mali is really starting to take off.
“I didn’t know France had any troops.”
Yep, they do indeed....daily surrender drills.
“Ha ha ha - you’re an idiot.”
Francophile?
A Tiger attack helicopter hit a Cougar military transport mid-air as it manoeuvred to engage the militants, who were fleeing on motorbikes and in pick-up trucks.
Flying at night is often dicey enough. Throw in a bit of target fixation and you are asking for a mid-air.
Training and a good pre-flight briefing are essential.
The French have troops all over central Africa. I think some are FFL and others are regular army. Lots of good equipment including serious armoured cars.
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