"Niger Mourns: Dozens of Soldiers Killed in Mali Attack"

Niger has declared three days of national mourning after suspected armed groups attacked military personnel near the border with Mali, resulting in the deaths of at least 29 soldiers. The attack involved improvised explosive devices and kamikaze vehicles, with over a hundred terrorists participating. Two soldiers were seriously injured, and several dozen terrorists were killed. The violence highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Niger and the wider Sahel region, where armed groups affiliated with ISIL and al-Qaeda have been active for over a decade. The attack occurred during military operations aimed at countering the ISIL threat, and the government has intercepted communications from the attackers, suggesting outside expertise.