Niger Republic reported that 23 of its soldiers were killed in a “terrorist” ambush near the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, situated in a western region susceptible to jihadist attacks.
The country, currently under military leadership following a July coup, cited deteriorating security conditions as the rationale behind the coup.
Despite this, jihadist violence, ongoing for eight years, persists.
In the recent incident, Nigerien soldiers were conducting a security sweep in Tillaberi, located in the three-border area, on Tuesday and Wednesday, as announced by the defence ministry on Thursday.
They fell victim to a “complex ambush,” with approximately 30 terrorists neutralized during the engagement.
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The army operation aimed to reassure local residents targeted by armed groups involved in various criminal activities, including murders, extortion, and cattle rustling, according to the ministry.
The attack occurred between Teguey and Bankilare, where over 100 “terrorists” engaged the army unit using homemade bombs and suicide vehicles.
The clash resulted in the death of 23 soldiers, with 17 others sustaining injuries.
Tillaberi, bordering Burkina Faso and Mali, has been plagued by jihadist attacks. Despite efforts by anti-jihadist forces, groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State have operated in the region since 2017.
In January, 22 civilians were killed in an attack on the Tillaberi village of Motogatta.
Niger, among the world’s poorest nations, was previously a key ally of the West in combating jihadists in the Sahel.
However, following the coup, the junta expelled French forces and has sought closer ties with Russia.
Additionally, the military recently announced the termination of a 2012 agreement with the United States.
This decision affects cooperation that involved a desert drone base constructed by Washington in northern Niger and the presence of about 1,000 American troops in the country.
Regarding military ties with Niger, the United States has stated they are mutually beneficial and is awaiting clarification on the announcement ending cooperation.
In a separate incident, about 16 Nigerian Army operatives were ambushed and killed in Delta State while on a peacekeeping mission to quell community clashes in Bomadi Local Government.
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