French soldier killed in Afghanistan
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A French soldier was killed and another was injured following a military operation near Kabul, raising the country's total fatalities in Afghanistan to 50, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's office said Friday.
A non-commissioned officer from the French 21st Infantry Regiment died after being seriously wounded during an operation in the Uzbeen valley, east of Kabul while another soldier was injured.
"This soldier gave his life in the service of France's commitment to the peace and security of the Afghan people," Sarkozy said in a statement.
The French head of state reaffirmed the country's support to the Afghan people and authorities and stressed the determination of France to continue working in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in order to restore peace and stability in Afghanistan.
About 3,500 French soldiers are deployed in Afghan territories as part of the NATO-led ISAF to help local authorities restore security and fight Taliban insurgents.
