United States President Donald Trump has praised French special forces for doing a “great job” in freeing tourists – including an American woman – kidnapped in Burkina Faso last week.

“The French did a great job. We appreciate it very much. And I’ve already communicated that feeling,” President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House.

Two French special forces soldiers died during the operation in northern Burkina Faso, which rescued four hostages and killed four kidnappers.

Commanders decided to act because the kidnappers were close to the Malian border and were believed to be planning to hand the hostages over to the Mali-based militant group Katiba Macina.