29 Nigerien soldiers killed in deadliest attack since coup near Mali border

At least 29 Nigerien soldiers were killed in an attack by jihadists near the border with Mali.
The soldiers were returning from an operation against militants when targeted by over 100 assailants using explosives and suicide vehicles.
Violence linked to extremist groups has surged over 40% in Niger since the military coup in July.
The Niger government declared three days of national mourning following the attack, one of the deadliest in recent years.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Niger continues to battle militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.