34 Soldiers Killed, 14 Injured in Armed Attack in Banibangou — Niger Defence Ministry

 

By: Zagazola Makama 

 

No fewer than 34 soldiers of the Nigerien Armed Forces were killed and 14 others injured following a deadly armed attack in Banibangou, Tillabéri Region (western Niger), the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday, June 19.

 

According to an official statement broadcast on national television, the early-morning attack was carried out by "several hundred mercenaries" riding in eight vehicles and over two hundred motorcycles.

 

The ministry noted that Nigerien troops responded swiftly to the ambush and were reinforced by additional units on the ground, supported by aerial assets, in a bid to track and neutralise the assailants.

 

The counter-offensive led to the neutralisation of "several dozen attackers" and the destruction of enemy transport equipment, the ministry said.

 

All wounded personnel have been given medical attention, while search and clearance operations are ongoing in the area.

 

The government has also called on the public to offer prayers for the fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.

 

 

 

 

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