Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with France’s Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly today over the phone to discuss the evolving situation in the Sahel. Secretary Austin applauded French leadership in countering terrorism in the region and assured her of continued U.S. support for this important mission. Secretary Austin also gave his condolences for the death of French soldier Maxime Blasco, who was killed in a militant clash on the Mali-Burkina Faso border Saturday. The two leaders agreed to continue regular consultations on the situation in the Sahel.