A French soldier, a hunter jumper of first class, died Saturday in Afghanistan following an insurgent fire, the Elysee said in a statement, bringing to 62 the number of French soldiers killed there since late 2001 .
Aged 20 years
"During an operation in Kapisa, while on a reconnaissance mission on foot, he was mortally wounded by a shot of the insurgents," said the Elysee Palace.Florian Morillon, 20, was part of the Parachute Regiment Chasseurs Pamiers (Ariège).
"President of the Republic presents to family and friends of soldiers killed in action its deepest condolences and shares their pain," said the Elysee Palace.
The Ministry of Defence said that the hanging took place Saturday afternoon as part of Operation Endurance.Engaged in the spring, it aims in particular to maintain continuous two companies - or 200 to 300 men - in contact with the population, to prevent the return of the insurgents in areas of the east, where French troops are deployed.
Deployed for a month
Saturday, the young soldier was immediately evacuated and helicopter to the military hospital in Kabul where he died from his injuries, the ministry said.
He was "deployed in Afghanistan since mid-May 2011" after having served in Gabon and Central African Republic.At the same time, four NATO soldiers died Saturday from injuries, according to ISAF (the NATO force in Afghanistan) that qi does not the French soldier is among them.
The head of state "reaffirms its support for the Afghan people and Afghan authorities.He expressed the determination of France to continue working in the International Force for Security Assistance.This force, mandated by the UN, has been tasked to help restore stability, peace and development in Afghanistan. "
For his part, Prime Minister Francois Fillon said in a statement presented "his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased."
"We solemnly salutes the dedication and professionalism of our units engaged in Afghanistan who work daily for peace and security, and to ensure government support."
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