The Nigerien military has confirmed the killing of 17 soldiers suspected jihadists in an attack around the country’s western border with Mali on Tuesday.
Nigerien defence ministry said in a statement that the troops, who were part of army detachment, were killed in an ambush by the terrorists near the town of Koutougou.
According to the statement, 20 soldiers have been evacuated from the scene of the incident to the capital, Niamey.
It added that over 100 of the terrorists were “neutralised” during their retreat.
