Hundreds of jihadists unleash deadly assault on soldiers in Kandadji, Niger

According to the Niger defence ministry, hundreds of Islamist militants on motorcycles have launched an attack on a town in southwest Niger, resulting in the death of 12 soldiers. Seven soldiers were killed during combat, while five lost their lives in a road accident while responding to the attack. In a counter-offensive, the defence minister reported that over 100 militants were killed. Since the military takeover in July, the number of jihadist attacks against the army has increased. The coup was staged by the army to enhance its ability to combat these militants, some of whom are associated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. The junta has requested that French troops leave the country as it takes on the responsibility of fighting the jihadists. The French ambassador recently departed Niger after facing a blockade imposed by the junta for several weeks within the embassy. Soldiers from various regions have been summoned to the capital, Niamey, to protect the coup leaders, leaving substantial areas susceptible to militant assaults. This attack marks the deadliest incident since the coup, during which 17 soldiers were killed near the border with Burkina Faso. The defence minister identified the terrorists as "several hundred terrorists riding their motorcycles" who targeted the town of Kandadji. Authorities have initiated a search and sweep operation to locate the assailants. The responsible party behind the attack remains unknown. Earlier this month, Niger formed a defense pact with neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali, pledging mutual support in the face of armed rebellion or external aggression. The United States has over 1,000 troops stationed in Niger, but they have not been instructed to leave. The withdrawal of foreign and UN troops in Mali has also precipitated a surge in violence by Islamist insurgents and rebel groups.