Several hundred armed men, many on motorbikes, launched a fierce attack on a Niger army base near Mali’s border.
The Defence Ministry reported at least 34 soldiers were killed and 14 wounded during the violent raid on Thursday.
Described as “mercenaries” by officials, the attackers used eight vehicles and over 200 motorbikes in the assault.
The raid targeted the base in Bani-bangou, a remote area prone to militant violence in the Sahel region.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack via a statement posted on its Telegram channel on Friday.
Niger, along with neighboring Sahel countries, faces relentless battles against militants linked to al Qaeda and IS.
Following the attack, Nigerien troops launched aerial and ground search operations to regain control and secure the area.
The Defence Ministry offered few additional details, reflecting the ongoing instability and security challenges in the region.
This brutal raid underscores the escalating threat militants pose to West Africa’s fragile borderlands and military forces.
As the Sahel’s security situation worsens, regional governments continue struggling to contain the spread of extremist violence.
