At least ten Nigerien soldiers were killed and seven others wounded in an armed attack targeting the Doso region in southern Niger, authorities announced on Tuesday.

According to official statements, the assault also resulted in the disappearance of 18 soldiers and the theft of three security vehicles. Authorities confirmed that several attackers were killed or captured during the clashes.

The incident underscores the rising wave of militant violence in Niger, particularly in border areas near Mali and Burkina Faso, where armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS frequently target security forces and civilians.

The attack comes as Nigerien authorities intensify efforts to bolster security and counter armed threats in the restive Sahel region, which has witnessed a surge in extremist violence in recent years.