One French soldier was killed by local militants late Wednesday in Afghanistan

 One French soldier was killed by local militants late Wednesday in Afghanistan, marking the 59th death of French servicemen in the war-torn country since 2001, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.

The statement said a corporal was killed during an exchange of fire with local insurgents in Alasay Valley, north of the Afghan capital Kabul, while conducting a reconnaissance operation.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy reaffirmed his support to Afghan authorities and people, saying France is determined to work with the U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force to restore stability in the country.

Around 4,000 French soldiers are deployed to Afghanistan mainly in the district of Surobi and Kapisa province in the east of the country.

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