NIAMEY, Niger: Niger confirmed that 23 of its soldiers were killed in a “terrorist” ambush near the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali in a western region.
The country, currently governed by military leaders who seized power in a July coup, cited the deteriorating security situation as the rationale behind the takeover.
According to the defence ministry, the deadly ambush occurred during a security sweep in Tillaberi, located in the three borders area, spanning Tuesday and Wednesday. The soldiers fell victim to a “complex ambush” orchestrated by approximately 30 terrorists, resulting in the neutralization of the assailants.
The security operations aimed to reassure local communities targeted by armed groups involved in various criminal activities, including murders, extortion, and cattle rustling. The ministry reported that over 100 “terrorists” attacked the army unit using improvised explosive devices and suicide vehicles, resulting in the death of 23 soldiers and injuries to 17 others.
Tillaberi shares borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, both under military rule.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by Niger in combating terrorism and maintaining security in the Sahel region, despite its previous partnership with Western nations. Following the coup, Niger expelled French forces and pivoted towards closer ties with Russia, a move echoed by neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
Moreover, Niger recently announced the termination of a 2012 agreement with the United States, signaling a shift in military cooperation. The decision impacts US military presence, including a desert drone base constructed at a cost of $100 million and the deployment of around 1,000 troops in the country.
The US expressed interest in understanding the implications of the severed cooperation, emphasizing the mutually beneficial nature of military ties with Niger.
