RPT-Two French soldiers killed in rescue of four hostages in West Africa

Two French soldiers were killed in an operation to rescue four hostages in the Sahel region of Africa, France said on Friday, adding that the hostages, including a U.S. woman, a South Korean citizen and two Frenchmen, were now safe.

Two French tourists were kidnapped during a safari in Benin last week, and their local guide found dead. (Reporting by Michel Rose; editing by Richard Lough)