Niger Republic reported that 23 of its soldiers were killed in a “terrorist” ambush near the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, in a western region prone to jihadist attacks.
The Defense Ministry late Thursday said the soldiers were engaged in a security sweep in Tillaberi, in the three borders area, when they were ambushed in a “complex ambush” by about 100 terrorists.
The ministry stated that more than 30 terrorists were neutralized during the attack.
The region has been plagued by jihadist violence despite a massive deployment of anti-jihadist forces. Niger, ruled by military leaders who seized power in a coup citing security concerns, has recently severed ties with the United States and pursued relations with Russia.
