12 Niger soldiers killed in attack: minister

Twelve paramilitary police were killed today in a fresh attack in Niger's restive southwest bordering Mali, Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum told AFP.

"There was a new attack. Twelve gendarmes were killed. We have launched search operations," said Bazoum, adding that the raid took place in the Tillaberi region. In October a raid claimed the lives of four US and four Niger soldiers.