Niger military claims 'neutralizing' over 100 terrorists

By Oumar Sankare

BAMAKO, Mali (AA) – The Nigerien military Thursday claimed it “neutralized” more than 100 terrorists in the West African nation.

“A military unit stationed in Niaktire was attacked by a group of armed men on Sunday and the soldiers led a firm response following the recent death of soldiers, killing more than 100 terrorists,” the Nigerian military said in a weekly video statement.

The incident happened in Niaktire, near the commune of Makalondi in the western Tillaberi region on Sunday.

At least 12 Nigerien soldiers were killed in recent attacks in the Tillaberi region.

During the operation, the military said it destroyed “significant enemy material resources.”

It added over 50 criminals, including drug traffickers, cattle thieves, and kidnappers, were arrested across the nation.

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are three junta-ruled nations that formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) earlier this year and announced the creation of a joint military force to counter spiraling security challenges posed in their countries by terrorist groups.

The three East African nations withdrew last year from the Economic Community of West African States, which had threatened to intervene militarily in Niger following a coup in the country last July.

Of late, the three member nations of the AES have grown closer relations with Russia, which has closer ties with Iran, and have criticized Ukraine.

Last month, Niger “immediately” ended its diplomatic relations with Ukraine over Kyiv’s alleged support of Malian “terrorist groups.”

​​​​​​​*Writing by Riyaz ul Khaliq in Istanbul