The attack on the forces killed 23 soldiers and underscored the conflict with extremists

Attack on Nigerien forces in border region near Mali and Burkina Faso has killed 23 soldiers. Attack underscores continued conflict with militants in ongoing conflict with Nigerien. Nigerien defense ministry says 23 soldiers were killed in the attack. Attack was part of ongoing conflict between Nigerien and militants.

Attack on Nigerien forces in border region near Mali and Burkina Faso has killed 23 soldiers. Attack underscores continued conflict with militants in ongoing conflict with Nigerien. Nigerien defense ministry says 23 soldiers were killed in the attack. Attack was part of ongoing conflict between Nigerien and militants.

Niger's army chief says it will be operational as soon as possible, without giving details of its size. Mali, Mali and Burkina Faso to form joint force to fight jihadists. Niger says the force will not be operational until it is fully operational. Mali and Mali have been fighting off al-Qaeda in recent years.

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have announced a joint security force to combat extremist violence in the Sahel region. The move follows a string of coups in Mali, Mali and Niger following coups. The ruling junta to lead joint security effort against extremist violence.