NIAMEY, Niger - The death toll from an attack by Islamic extremists on Niger’s military last week has risen to at least 89, making it the most deadly attack of its kind in years in the West African nation. The fatalities have risen dramatically from 25 that the government initially said were killed last week. In addition to the soldiers killed, at least 77 extremists were killed by Niger’s army and its foreign allies, most notably France and the United States, according to a statement issued Sunday by the government. The military’s response, which included air support, pushed the extremists from Niger, the government said. Those countries make up the G5 Sahel group that are working with France against the threat of extremists in the region.

Source: thestar January 13, 2020 09:56 UTC