Third French soldier killed in Mali

PARIS, March 3 (UPI) -- French President Francois Hollande said a third soldier has died during the nation's military intervention in northern Mali.

The soldier, 26, was not identified by name but was a member of the First Parachute Chasseur regiment. He was killed Saturday evening during a firefight with Islamic militants.

Hollande expressed his "profound respect for the sacrifice of this young soldier" and hailed the "courage and ardor" of French forces fighting in Mali, Radio France Internationale said Sunday.

Previously, a helicopter pilot was killed in a crash and another foot soldier was killed in an armed clash.