In a fresh ambush close to the Mali border, suspected Jihadists killed at least seventeen Nigerien soldiers.

In a statement released late Tuesday night, the defense ministry recognized this and said that an armed forces unit had been “the victim of a terrorist ambush near the town of Koutougou.”

Numerous soldiers were hurt in the incident, according to a statement from the ministry, including no less than 26.

The latest incident occurs two days after suspected militants shot and killed at least six Nigerien soldiers.

It is however being speculated that the recent coup in the country has led to the now incessant attack of terrorists on soldiers and civilians in the country.

The recent coup has left a vacuum in the security of the country against terrorist groups who now have easy access to the borders of the country.