Paris - French forces failed in a bid to rescue two hostages kidnapped in Niger late on Friday, a defence ministry spokesman said on Saturday.
The two men were found dead after a confrontation with the kidnappers, French Defence Minister Alain Juppe said in a statement.
After initial clashes, the kidnappers were pursued to the Mali border where new confrontations took place, Juppe said.
“With the operation launched and coordinated with French elements in the region, the terrorists were intercepted at the Mali border and several of them were overpowered,” Juppe said.
“After the fighting, the two hostages were found dead,” Juppe said. - Reuters