Twenty-nine Nigerien soldiers were killed and two more injured in attacks by suspected jihadists between September 26 and October 2, Niger's defense ministry said Tuesday.
From September 26 to October 2, Niger's defense and security forces carried out an operation along the border with Mali, the ministry said. While retreating, a unit was attacked by "more than a hundred terrorists" northeast of Tabatol, who used improvised explosive devices and booby-trapped vehicles.
"According to preliminary information, 29 soldiers died heroes on our side, and two were seriously injured. Several dozen terrorists were neutralized, 15 motorcycles were destroyed, and a large amount of weapons and ammunition was seized on the enemy side," the ministry said in a statement read on Nigerien broadcaster RTN.
A coup took place in Niger on July 26. President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all cooperation with Niger and threatened military intervention if the rebels do not reinstate Bazoum.