In Niger, 23 soldiers were killed in an ambush set by terrorists during a military operation in the western part of the country, the Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday evening.
The attack occurred in the Tillaberi region, located in the so-called "border triangle" between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, known to be a stronghold for militants in the Sahel region.
The army conducted a "sweeping operation" in areas near the border with Burkina Faso from Tuesday to Wednesday.
However, during their "withdrawal," a unit fell into a "complex ambush" in which 23 soldiers were killed, and around 30 militants were neutralized, according to the ministry.
The ministry stated that the operation aimed to reassure residents who have been subjected to violations by armed groups, including assassinations, extortion, and livestock theft.
It was noted that more than a hundred militants arrived in vehicles and motorcycles and attacked an army unit between the towns of Tegui and Bankilare using "hand grenades and suicide vehicles."
Despite a strong response, the ministry expressed regret for the loss of 23 brave soldiers on the battlefield and the injury of 17 others.
The Tillaberi region is a stronghold for militants in the Sahel region, including those affiliated with the terrorist organizations ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
For years, this area in Niger has been regularly targeted by attacks from these armed groups despite the heavy deployment of counterterrorism forces.
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