At least 46 soldiers of the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (SDF) were killed in a coordinated assault by militants of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) on Saturday.
The attack targeted an SDF base in Iknewane, Tilia Department, near the Mali border in Niger’s Tahoua Region. Security sources described the assault as large-scale and intense, catching the military off guard.
Reports indicate that the militants, heavily armed and in large numbers, overran the base, destroying or seizing nine out of 16 military vehicles. They also looted weapons and ammunition.
Beyond the fatalities, a dozen soldiers were reportedly taken hostage, while several others remain missing. Local sources confirmed that some soldiers managed to escape on foot and were later rescued.
In response, the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) and the National Guard (GNN) have deployed a military convoy of about 20 vehicles from Tahoua to launch counter-operations in the area.
This is not the first time the Iknewane military base has been attacked. On September 18, 2024, EIGS militants launched a similar assault, killing at least 24 soldiers, according to official reports.
The Tahoua Region, particularly areas bordering Mali, has witnessed a rise in militant violence. The Nigerien government continues to grapple with security challenges in its border regions, where armed groups frequently target both military personnel and civilians.
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