Two Senegalese soldiers killed, nine missing after clash with separatists

 

Two Senegalese soldiers were killed and nine were likely taken hostage when they went missing during fighting with separatist rebels in neighboring Gambia, Reuters reported quoting Senegal’s army.

According to an army statement, one rebel from the Movement of Democratic Forces for Casamance (MFDC) was also killed and three captured by Senegalese forces in the fighting on Monday.

“The nine missing soldiers are probably held hostage by the MFDC. Operations are ongoing to find them and secure the zone,” the statement said.

The soldiers were monitoring timber trafficking as part of a multinational force in Gambia, which is bordered on three sides by Senegal.