French soldier killed in counterterrorism operation in Iraq

By Nur Asena Erturk

A French soldier was killed in a counterterrorism operation in Iraq, the French presidency announced Tuesday.

Sgt. Nicolas Mazier of parachute commando No. 10 was killed on Monday near the capital Baghdad while his unit was assisting Iraqi forces in a counterterrorism operation, the French presidency said in a statement.

It expressed President Emmanuel Macron's sorrow and his condolences to the soldier's family.

The president also hails the courage of the soldiers engaged in Iraq, and confirms France's determination in the fight against terrorism on Iraq's side, the statement added.

The French General Staff on Tuesday said in a statement that four other soldiers were wounded during the operation near Baghdad.

They were immediately transferred to the hospital, the statement said.

France launched Operation Chammal on Sept. 19, 2014 in a bid to counter the expansion of the Daesh/ISIS terror group and support the Iraqi army and the coalition.