OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:50 PM PT — Thursday, January 9, 2020
Alleged Islamic militants attacked an army outpost in the West
African nation of Niger amid sectarian tensions in that country. On
Thursday, the Nigerian military confirmed suspected Islamists staged an
attack in the northern part of the country, which killed at least 25
soldiers and wounded several others.Officials said the assailants approached the military facility on motorbikes and engaged in combat with security personnel.
The incident comes amid ongoing clashes between ISIS affiliate Boko Haram and government forces across West Africa.
“We repelled an attack led by
terrorist elements who came with several vehicles and motorbikes. The
response, with aerial support from the air force and our partners,
allowed us to hit back and push our enemies outside of our of borders.
Search operations are ongoing.”
– Colonel Souleymane Gazobi, Spokesman for the Nigerian Ministry of Defense
Niger authorities said at least 63 militants were eliminated during the attack.Photo via official Twitter account of the Nigerian Army.
