Six Niger soldiers, 10 suspected jihadists killed in fighting

Suspected jihadists on motorbikes ambushed the troops near the western town of Sanam on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the National Guard High Command.

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Aug 14, 2023 - 04:05
Aug 16, 2023 - 14:06
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Six Niger soldiers, 10 suspected jihadists killed in fighting
FILE: On 9 August, five soldiers were killed in an attack in the same area, according to the military regime that has been in power since the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum on 26 July. Picture: Pixabay.com

NIAMEY, Niger - Six Niger soldiers and 10 "terrorists" were killed on Sunday during fighting in the west of the country, authorities said.

Suspected jihadists on motorbikes ambushed the troops near the western town of Sanam on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the National Guard High Command.

Sanam is in the Tillaberi tri-border area where Niger meets Mali and Burkina Faso, a region where jihadist attacks are common.

On 9 August, five soldiers were killed in an attack in the same area, according to the military regime that has been in power since the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum on 26 July.

Coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani has justified the overthrow of Bazoum by referring to the "deteriorating security situation" in the country.