At least 12 soldiers were killed Thursday when gunmen attacked the outskirts of Kandaji, in the southeastern part of Niger, the defense minister of the military regime that has seized power in the country said.

The attack took place about 190 kilometers northeast of the capital Niamey, near the border with Mali and Burkina Faso. The border region has been at the center of the jihadist insurgency in the Sahel region for years. Al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates operate in the region, often launching attacks against soldiers and civilians.

Military forces launched a counterattack backed by helicopters, one of which was hit by gunfire but returned to its base, Reuters news agency reported, citing security officials.

According to a statement by the coup plotters, seven soldiers were killed in a battle with “hundreds of terrorists” and five others died in a car accident during the counterattack that was launched.

Last July, the military seized power in a coup in Niger, capitalizing on popular discontent over the government’s failure to restore security. There were previous military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Security analysts say attacks have declined in Niger under ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has tried to drive the jihadists out of their strongholds.

On Sunday, France announced it would withdraw its roughly 1,500 troops stationed in Niger by the end of the year, following weeks of pressure from the junta and protests against the former colonial power in the country.