At least 14 members of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces were killed in a coordinated terrorist attack and subsequent ambush in N’Guigmi, Diffa Region, southeastern Niger, on Friday morning.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on July 31, when heavily armed assailants approached the town from the Sabon Carré neighbourhood, southwest of N’Guigmi, and launched an assault on a National Guard position located near the town’s cemetery.

According to the sources, the initial attack prompted a military response as reinforcements moved to pursue the fleeing attackers.

However, the responding troops reportedly ran into a well-prepared ambush about one kilometre south of the National Guard position, resulting in heavy casualties.

Preliminary reports indicate that 14 security personnel were killed, comprising 10 soldiers of the Niger Armed Forces (FAN), including one officer, and four members of the National Guard.

The sources added that four National Guard personnel sustained injuries, with one said to be in critical condition. A military vehicle was also destroyed during the engagement.

The identities of the attackers have not been officially confirmed, although the Diffa Region has witnessed repeated attacks by extremist groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin.

Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while security operations have reportedly been intensified in and around N’Guigmi to track down those responsible. (Zagazola, excluding headline)

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