At least 12 soldiers from the Nigerien army were killed on Friday in a surprise attack by terrorist groups in the Tillaberi region of Western Niger, near the tri-border area between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. According to a military statement, the soldiers were ambushed while conducting a security operation around 10 kilometers north of Sakoira village.
The assailants, reportedly hidden among civilian camps, launched the attack unexpectedly. Despite the soldiers’ brave response and reinforcements from air and ground forces, the ambush resulted in the tragic loss of 12 lives. Two suspects were arrested during the follow-up operations.
This deadly attack underscores the growing insecurity in the Sahel region, where terrorist groups are increasingly targeting both military forces and civilians. Niger, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, has been facing intensified violence as extremist groups expand their reach. The security situation in Niger worsened after the military ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023, leading to more frequent attacks on the army and civilians.
In response to these escalating threats, the three countries—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—are working together through the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States to form a unified military force to combat terrorism in the region. This collaboration aims to address the ongoing security challenges that have plagued the Sahel for years.
