Two French soldiers have died in clashes in the Central African Republic, the first French to die since last week’s deployment of 1,600 troops.
The soldiers were reported to be involved in a clash with armed militias near the capital Bangui’s airport.
"They were injured and very quickly taken to the surgical unit, but unfortunately they could not be saved," said Claude Bartolone, speaker of France's National Assembly.
A statement from President Hollande's office said the soldiers had "lost their lives to save many others".
"The president expresses his profound respect for the sacrifice of these two soldiers and renews his full confidence in the French forces committed - alongside African forces - to restoring security in the Central African Republic, to protecting the people and guaranteeing access to humanitarian aid," it said.
The US has begun flying African Union troops into the CAR, after a request by France.