Thirteen French soldiers have been killed in a helicopter crash

Breaking News - France has said that thirteen French soldiers have been killed in a helicopter crash during an  operation against jihadists in Mali. 

In a statement published the accident reportedly happened on Monday evening.  The French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his "deep sadness" over the incident.

Mali has suffered violence since 2012, when Islamist militants took over the north. With the help of France, Mali's army has recaptured the territory. However, insecurity there continues and the violence has spread to other countries in the region.