afrol News, 22 January - Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ) has abducted several government and military officials after launching an attack on the central-eastern town of Tanout on Monday.

The outlawed northern rebels admitted carrying out the attack. The movement's latest attack had reportedly lasted for several hours. Both sides have reportedly suffered casualties, but the exact figure is yet to be made public.

The MNJ had earlier held at least 49 government troops following an attack on an army post in Agadez region. The group has confirmed the confiscation of a number of heavy weapons and ammunition after its elements have arrested 11 government soldiers, including a senior local government official.

Justifying the reasons for the latest attack, the group said it was a direct response to local government authorities' anti-rebel campaign and attacks on innocent people, accusing them of "aiding and abetting" the rebellion.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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