Soldier dies in French Guiana mission

Corporal Jimmy Gosselin from the 7th Battalion of Alpine Riflemen died during a mission against illegal gold mining in French Guiana. The incident occurred as part of Operation Harpie, which aims to combat illegal gold mining, according to the Ministry of the Armed Forces.

Gosselin's military background and deployment

Gosselin, who belonged to the 7th Battalion of Alpine Riflemen from Varces (Isère), had been deployed in French Guiana since September 25 for a duration of four months within the 9th Marine Infantry Regiment, stationed in Cayenne.

Details of the incident

During the mission, "a patrol engaged in support of the internal security forces carried out a crossing in fast-moving waters," stated the ministry in a statement. "During the crossing, corporal Jimmy Gosselin disappeared. The immediate reactions of the patrol unfortunately did not allow for his location," notes the same source.

Search efforts and discovery

Land, river, and air resources were deployed by the French Guiana armed forces in an attempt to locate the soldier. His lifeless body was finally located after 21 hours of searches.

Investigation and context of the operation

A judicial investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances of the event. Operation Harpie was initiated in 2008 and includes 1,180 gendarmes together with 2,465 military personnel from the armed forces in French Guiana, according to figures from the Ministry of the Interior.

Scale of illegal gold mining in French Guiana

It is estimated that approximately 10 tons of gold are illegally extracted from French Guiana each year.