Sad: Another 13 Soldiers Killed In Isgs Ambush On Niger Army Convoy In Tahoua

At least 13 people, including 12 soldiers and a civilian driver, were killed after suspected fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) ambushed a Nigerien military convoy in the Tahoua Region of Niger.

Security sources said the attack occurred on March 11 along the road between Yaya and Tahoua near Bagga village.

According to the sources, the convoy, comprising about 50 personnel drawn from the 42nd Infantry Battalion (BIA) and the Rapid Security Brigade (BSR) of Tahoua, had been deployed as reinforcement following the sabotage of a pipeline in the area by suspected ISGS elements.

The troops were reportedly travelling in a seven-vehicle convoy when they were caught in a complex and coordinated ambush by the insurgents.

The sources said 12 members of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) were killed in the attack, while a civilian truck driver also lost his life.

One of the soldiers reportedly died after being evacuated to a hospital in Tahoua, while the officer leading the mission, a lieutenant, sustained serious injuries after being shot twice in the arm.

Seven other soldiers were still missing at the time of filing the report, while several others sustained injuries during the attack.

Sources said the ambush has raised concerns within the military regarding operational decisions and command responsibility.

Some personnel were said to have questioned the decision to deploy the convoy along a route known to be frequently targeted by armed groups using pipeline sabotage as a tactic to lure military reinforcements into ambushes.

There were also allegations circulating within military ranks in the region concerning the management of operational allowances for troops deployed on missions.

Niger’s military authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the ambush or the allegations.See more, details. .