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In the afternoon, during the progression towards the South, an AMX 10 RC was hit by an explosion, killing the pilot and injuring three other crew members, including two seriously. These quickly evacuated by medical helicopter, were supported by the surgical unit stationed in Tessalit transportable. Any terrorist has been detected in this area during the action. Two caches of weapons and food were located and destroyed earlier in the day.
This operation, like all those carried out since February 18 in the Adrar des Ifoghas aims to seek out and destroy terrorist groups and to dismantle their sanctuaries.
French soldier killed in this operation is a corporal from 1 st Marine Infantry Regiment (1 st RIMa) Angoulême.
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Its disturbing that we haven't successfully demonstrated an ability to "kill" all IED's in our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mine warfare (by a different name) has been a serious issue since WW1 and looks to continue to be for the near future at least.
Quite honestly I'm waiting for it to be used by sleeper cells against a civilian population soon. If that is ever done and if it is successful then we could see entire regions brought to a standstill.
