According to the military source, the soldiers were carrying out a reconnaissance mission in their vehicle when an improvised explosive device exploded at the exit of the Ouahigouya airport, in the north of the country.

The soldiers were immediately evacuated to Gao, in Mali, and those in need will be transferred to France, the source stated without further details.

According to mass media, Islamic fundamentalist groups associated with the terrorist organizations Al Qaeda and the Islamic State are active in the area of the bomb attack.

As part of the Barkhane operation, activated in 2014, France maintains 5,100 soldiers in the African Sahel region, with the support of airplanes, drones and other combat materials.

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