French hostage killed by Somali militants during botched rescue mission

A hostage has been killed by Somali militants during a botched helicopter rescue mission which also claimed the lives of two French soldiers. 

The captive, a French secret service agent given the codename Denis Allex, had been held in the country since 2009. It is believed he was shot dead.

Five helicopters filled with commandos were sent to rescue him and stormed the house where he was being held in the town of Bulo Marer.

But two of the commandos were killed in the stand-off, which also claimed the lives of 17 Islamists and three civilians, it has been reported.

Read more: French hostage killed by Somali militants during botched rescue mission | Mail Online