Islamist militia al-Shabaab on Saturday denied that French hostage Denis Allex had died during a rescue bid in Somalia, adding that, it had captured a French solder and killed several others.
"The injured French soldier is now in the custody of the Mujahideen and Allex still remains safe and far from the location of the battle," al-Shabaab said in a statement, adding that, the fighting lasted about 45 minutes.
The rebel group said it "assures the French people that it will give its final verdict regarding the fate of Denis Allex within two days."