NIAMEY (Reuters) – Niger’s defence ministry has confirmed that 17 of its soldiers were killed in an ambush on Tuesday in a southwest region along the border with Burkina Faso.
While attacks in Niger have been on the decline since 2021, security remains a significant concern, particularly in the southwest, near the Mali border.
With the withdrawal of French troops from Mali last year, a security vacuum has emerged, allowing groups affiliated with Islamic State and Al Qaeda to expand their presence in the region.
The defence ministry released a statement stating that a detachment of Niger’s army was attacked in an ambush near the Torodi commune. It also reported that over a hundred “terrorists” were neutralized.
“Thanks to the swift reaction of our soldiers and the air-land response at the scene, we were able to effectively deal with the enemy,” the statement added.
According to the defence ministry, this incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in the region. Niger, along with its neighboring countries, has been grappling with the rise of terrorism in the Sahel region.
The Sahel region has become a hotbed for extremist activities, with groups taking advantage of porous borders to carry out attacks and evade capture.
The international community has recognized the need for heightened security measures and has pledged support to countries in the region to combat the terrorist threat.
However, despite these efforts, attacks continue to occur, highlighting the challenges faced by security forces in the region.
For Niger, the loss of 17 soldiers emphasizes the risks faced by the military personnel in their fight against terrorism.
Moussa Aksar reporting; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Alexander Winning
Credit: The Star : News Feed
