diff --git a/pycti/utils/opencti_stix2.py b/pycti/utils/opencti_stix2.py
index 18189a802..060d8adbf 100644
--- a/pycti/utils/opencti_stix2.py
+++ b/pycti/utils/opencti_stix2.py
@@ -2651,6 +2651,8 @@ def element_operation_delete(self, item, operation):
         force_delete = operation == "delete_force"
         if item["type"] == "relationship":
             self.opencti.stix_core_relationship.delete(id=item["id"])
+        elif item["type"] == "external-reference":
+            self.opencti.external_reference.delete(item["id"])
         elif item["type"] == "sighting":
             self.opencti.stix_sighting_relationship.delete(id=item["id"])
         elif item["type"] in STIX_META_OBJECTS: