The defense ministry reported that twenty-three soldiers lost their lives in a “terrorist” ambush in western Niger during a military operation close to the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali.
The soldiers were participating in a security operation in Tillaberi, situated in the tri-border region, spanning Tuesday and Wednesday. They fell victim to a “complex ambush,” as disclosed by the defense ministry late Thursday, which also stated that approximately 30 terrorists were rendered ineffective.
The military actions were intended to provide reassurance to local residents who were facing threats from armed factions involved in activities such as killings, extortion, and cattle theft, according to the ministry.
It reported that over 100 “terrorists” launched an assault on an army contingent positioned between Teguey and Bankilare, utilizing improvised explosive devices and suicide vehicles.
In addition to the 23 soldiers who lost their lives, 17 more sustained injuries.