Niger military operation 'kills 120 terrorists' after jihadist attacks

Defence minister hails 'cooperation' in fight against militants after Nigerien and French forces' offensive in restive Tillaberi region

More than 100 "terrorists" have been killed in south-west Niger by local forces in a joint operation with French troops, the country's defence ministry said.

As of Thursday "120 terrorists have been neutralised" in the operation in the vast Tillaberi region near the border with Mali and Burkina Faso, the statement on Friday said, adding there had been no losses among Nigerien or French troops. Vehicles and bomb-making equipment were seized.