Ten Niger soldiers were killed in a militant attack in the country's southwest near the tri-border zone of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The attackers responsible for the attack remain unidentified. Al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates are active in the region and frequently target soldiers and civilians. The army responded to the attack with ground troops and helicopters. Niger has experienced a decline in attacks under former President Mohamed Bazoum, who engaged with Islamists and rural communities. Protests have also been held demanding the withdrawal of French troops.