French special forces rescue four hostages from Burkina Faso

The French special forces have rescued four hostages in an overnight military raid from northern Burkina Faso, the French Presidency said on Friday.

The hostages include two Frenchmen, an American and a South Korean. The French hostages are identified as Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas. Two other hostages' identities were not immediately known, but they were both said to be women.

Four of them willflyto France on Saturday.They will arrive at the Villacoublay military airfield near Paris and be greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron, reports said.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Two French soldiers were killed during the military raid.

The French tourists were kidnapped in Benin and were taken over the border into Burkina Faso, where Islamist terror groups have stepped up attacks in recent months.

A statement from the Presidency said, '' President Emmanuel Macron wants to congratulate the French armed forces for the liberation of the hostages, and includes everyone who worked alongside them."

"He bows with emotion and solemnity before the sacrifice of our two soldiers who gave their lives to save those of our citizens," the statement added.

In a separate statement, Defence Minister Florence Parly thanked authorities in Benin and Burkina Faso, as well as the United States for its "precious support" in the operation.