Hundreds of Islamist militants riding motorbikes have attacked a town in south-western Niger, killing 12 soldiers, the defence ministry says.
Seven soldiers were killed in combat, while five others died in a road accident responding to the attack.
The defence minister said over 100 militants had been killed in a counter-offensive.
Jihadist attacks on the army have risen since the military seized power in July.
The army said it had staged the coup so it could better fight the militants, some of which are linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
The junta has ordered French troops stationed in the country to help fight the jihadists to leave - last week, French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to withdraw them.
The French ambassador left Niger earlier this week after living under a blockade ordered by the junta for several weeks in the embassy. Now back in Paris, Sylvain Itté told French TV that the aim was to "break me down".
Reports say soldiers from across the country have been recalled to the capital, Niamey, to guard the coup leaders, leaving large areas vulnerable to militant attacks.
At least 17 soldiers were killed last month in another attack near the border with Burkina Faso. This was the deadliest known attack in the country since the coup.
Niger's Defence Minister Salifou Mody said Thursday's attack was carried out by "several hundred terrorists riding their motorcycles" on the town of Kandadji.
"A search and sweep operation is now underway in order to track down the enemy," the minister said.
It is still not clear who was behind the attack.
Earlier this month, Niger agreed with neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali to establish a defence pact to support each other against any armed rebellion or external aggression.
The US has more than 1,000 troops in Niger although they have not been asked to leave.
The departure of foreign and UN troops in Mali has also been followed by an uptick of violence by both Islamist insurgents and rebel groups.
Latest Stories
-
35th CIMG Awards: Full list of winners
58 mins -
The Multimedia Group wins big at CIMG Awards 2023
2 hours -
Bernard Mornah wins PNC flagbearship race
2 hours -
Video: Confusion at PNC National Executives election
3 hours -
Rapper E.L. joins King Promise as Guinness Accravaganza headliner for September 21 showdown
4 hours -
PNC Congress: Bernard Mornah leads in Greater Accra Region
4 hours -
Reject violence, divisive rhetoric, embrace peace ahead of elections – Bawumia appeals to Ghanaians
4 hours -
SEFF’s debut single ‘Father’ sets stage for bold new talent
5 hours -
Super typhoon Yagi kills four in Vietnam
6 hours -
Hollard Insurance-UENR Mentoring Day: Students urged to let hard work, integrity shine to advance career
6 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Vision FC opens campaign with draw against Berekum Chelsea
6 hours -
If Baba Yara pitch was good, Mumin clears the ball – Laryea Kingston
7 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Samartex begin title defence with draw against Dreams FC
7 hours -
Financing road construction and maintenance through a special fuel levy: A sustainable solution for Ghana’s road infrastructure
7 hours -
Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards 2024 launched to honor positive social influence
7 hours