At least 34 Nigerien soldiers died and 14 others were injured when several hundred fighters attacked a military camp near the nation’s western border with Mali, Niger’s Defence Ministry stated on Friday.
The vicious attack occurred on Thursday in the Bani-Bangou area and was said to have been carried out by well-armed men who were explained by authorities as “mercenaries.” The terrorists employed eight vehicles and more than 200 motorbikes to overtake the military camp, dealing one of the most fatal punches to Niger’s armed forces in recent times.
The Islamic State movement stated it was behind the attack in a message published to its Telegram channel on Friday, raising yet further alarm over the growing insurgency in the Sahel region, where Islamist organizations linked to both al-Qaeda and Islamic State have increasingly been active.
The Defence Ministry stated Nigerien troops have since conducted ground and air operations to capture the area and pursue the attackers, although no additional information regarding the counter-operation was released.
This recent attack highlights Niger’s increasing security challenge as the country, and other neighboring West African countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso, struggle to fight a deadly jihadist insurgency that has displaced millions and killed thousands in the last decade.
Since a coup in Niger one year ago, the junta ruling Niger has been looking for new security pacts, having driven out French forces and signaled increased collaboration with Russia. Shifting allegiances have not stopped the jihadist threat in border areas.
The government issued a national day of mourning for the killed soldiers and reiterated its resolve to defend its territory against terrorist organizations.
Authorities have not announced the identities of the victims but confirmed reinforcement units have been dispatched to augment regional security. Investigations and pursuit operations are still ongoing.
