Seven soldiers killed in ambush in tillabéri region in Niger Republic

Seven soldiers killed in ambush in tillabéri region in Niger Republic

By: Zagazola Makama

At least seven soldiers of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) have been killed in a deadly ambush following an incursion by suspected fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) near Sanam in Tillabéri Region.

Security sources said the incident occurred on Tuesday, March 24, in the Sanam area, located in Abala Department.

According to the sources, heavily armed assailants attacked Wanni village at about 9:00 a.m., rustling livestock before fleeing the scene.

The FDS reportedly launched a pursuit operation but were ambushed by the attackers during the chase.

A provisional toll indicates that seven soldiers were killed, while two others sustained serious injuries and were evacuated to Niamey for medical treatment.

The sources further disclosed that one military vehicle and its crew remain unaccounted for as of the time of filing this report.

Tillabéri Region, in western Niger, has remained a hotspot of extremist violence, with frequent attacks attributed to armed groups linked to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.

Seven soldiers killed in ambush in tillabéri region in Niger Republic