Militants launched a deadly attack on a military unit in northwestern Niger, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 Nigerien soldiers and leaving 17 wounded, the defense ministry confirmed.
Over 100 armed individuals on motorbikes and in vehicles executed the ambush, utilizing improvised explosive devices and suicide bombs, targeting the military unit returning from an operation in the insurgency-afflicted Tillaberi region.
The assault occurred between the communes of Teguey and Bankilare, the ministry disclosed in a statement released late on Thursday, noting that approximately 30 attackers were neutralized.
Niger stands among several West African nations confronting an Islamist insurgency originating from Mali over the past 12 years, claiming numerous lives and displacing millions.
Amid growing frustrations over the authorities’ inability to safeguard civilians, military coups have emerged in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger since 2020.
The ruling juntas have severed connections with Western allies aiding local military endeavors, expelling French and other European forces while turning to Russia for support.
Recently, Niger’s junta abruptly revoked a military agreement allowing the presence of military personnel and civilian staff from the U.S. Department of Defense on its territory.
