13 French troops have been killed in a collision of 2 helicopters.
The news of the horrific crash has been confirmed by the office of the president of France.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that he was saddened by the news of the deaths.
"These 13 heroes had only one goal: to protect us," President Macron said in a tweet according to the British Broadcasting Corporation.
"I bow to the pain of their loved ones and comrades, " the head of state added.
France sent its troops to Mali to help in the war against Islamic insurgents who have been threatening security in West Africa.
In total, France has suffered 38 fatalities since the deployment of its troops in Mali in 2013 after Timbuktu fell into the hands of jihadists.
More than 4,500 French soldiers are currently operating in Mali according to The Guardian.
Islamists operating in the West African country are said to have links to the Islamic State and al-Qaida.
Terrorism has been responsible for thousands of civilians and soldiers as Islamists revolt against the authorities.
Military operations against the terrorists have been complicated by the vastness of the territory that they are said to operate.
The French defence minister has assured that investigations into the deadly midair collision will be undertaken with the view of determining the exact circumstances of the crash.