At least 34 members of Nigerien armed forces lost their lives and 14 others sustained injuries in a violent assault near Banibangou in the Tillabéri Region of western Niger, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence on Thursday, June 19.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, involved “several hundred mercenaries” using eight vehicles and more than 200 motorcycles, the ministry revealed in an announcement aired on national television.
In response, military units reportedly reacted promptly, with reinforcements and air support deployed to pursue and eliminate the attackers.
The Defence Ministry stated that “several dozen attackers” were killed during the counter-operation and enemy transport vehicles were destroyed.
All injured personnel have received medical treatment, and search-and-clear operations remain ongoing in the affected area.
The Niger Republic government also urged citizens to offer prayers for the soldiers who “paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.”
