23 soldiers have been brutally killed in a “terrorist” ambush in western Niger Republic during an offensive near the border with Burkina Faso and Mali, the Defence Ministry of the Junta controlled government said on Friday.
According to the Defence Ministry, the deadly ambush occurred during a security sweep in Tillaberi, located in the three borders area on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The soldiers fell victim to a “complex ambush” masterminded by over 30 terrorists, resulting in the neutralization of the criminal elements.
The security operations was aimed at reassuring local communities targeted by armed groups involved in various criminal activities, including murders, extortion, and cattle rustling.
The ministry reported that over 100 “terrorists” attacked the army unit using improvised explosive devices and suicide vehicles, resulting in the death of 23 soldiers and injuries to 17 others.
