President Nicolas Sarkozy's office says two French soldiers were killed and five others injured in a clash with insurgents in Afghanistan's northeastern Tagab valley, according to AP. The soldiers were taking part in a reconnaissance mission Sunday morning when they came under fire, Sarkozy's office said in a statement. A separate statement from the Defense Ministry added that "several" of the insurgents were killed or injured in the clash. Sunday's deaths bring to 72 the number of French soldiers killed in Afghanistan. About 4,000 French troops are taking part in NATO-led operations in the country. France has said some 1,000 troops will be brought home by the end of next year, with a full withdrawal of combat forces there during 2014.
