The defence ministry in Niger says at least 17 soldiers have been killed in an Islamist militant attack.

Another 20 were said to be wounded. The ambush happened in the Tillabéri region – close to the border with Burkina Faso.

The military said more than 100 attackers were killed as they escaped the scene.

“The prompt reaction of the military and the air-land response initiated at the scene of the clash made it possible to deal with the enemy,” a government statement read.

The government offered their condolences to the families of those affected.

This is the seventh attack on the country’s forces since military officers overthrew the government in Niamey three weeks ago.

Niger’s army has cited the jihadist insurgency as a justification for last month’s coup.