In the latest wave of violence in Niger, at least 29 soldiers have been killed in a deadly attack, marking the bloodiest incident since the military coup in July.
The defense ministry reported that the soldiers were targeted by hundreds of jihadists who utilized improvised explosive devices and kamikaze vehicles.
The ministry further stated that several dozen terrorists also lost their lives in the ensuing counter-offensive near the Mali border.
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Since the military assumed control, there has been a surge in jihadist assaults against the army. The coup leaders justified their actions by citing the deteriorating security situation.
Consequently, France has decided to withdraw its 1,500 troops from Niger by the end of this year, under pressure from the junta. French forces have been engaged in combating the insurgency that spilled over from Mali in 2015.
Last week, the French ambassador departed Niger following a blockade of the French embassy for several weeks, as ordered by the junta.
In response to the attack in the western Tahoua region on Monday night, Niger’s military proclaimed a three-day period of national mourning.
The defense ministry announced that the army was conducting operations to neutralize the threat from al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group when they came under attack.
According to the ministry, intercepted communications from the withdrawing terrorists revealed that they had received assistance from external sources, although no further information was provided.
The increase in jihadist attacks in Niger has been attributed to a security vacuum caused by the recall of soldiers to the capital, Niamey, to protect the coup leaders.
Last Thursday, in southwestern Niger, hundreds of militants on motorcycles killed 12 soldiers. Additionally, last month, a separate attack near the Burkina Faso border claimed the lives of at least 17 soldiers.
Neighboring Mali has also experienced a surge in jihadist and rebel violence following the withdrawal of French troops and the scaling down of UN operations at the junta’s request. Currently, Mali is relying on the Russian mercenary group Wagner to combat the jihadists.
In a bid to counter the militants and external aggression, the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a security pact last month, pledging mutual support.
