ISLAMIC State (Isis) has claimed responsibility for an attack on a military base in Niger that killed at least 71 soldiers earlier this week.

The jihadists said in a statement on Thursday night that its fighters held the camp for several hours before seizing weapons and ammunition along with 16 vehicles.

The attack near the border with Mali was the deadliest in the region for number of years.

Niger’s military said 12 other soldiers were wounded in Tuesday’s attack, which was followed by the government declaring three days of mourning.

Defence Minister Issoufou Katambe claimed that “a large number of terrorists” had been “neutralised” following a “fierce battle” with several hundred jihadist fighters.

The security situation is said to be deteriorating as Isis and al-Qaida attacks increase, despite the presence of international forces. 

Around 100 Malian troops have been killed since September, forcing them to retreat from the border area.

A three-month extension to a state of emergency that has been in force for two years was granted earlier this week. Niger’s army is struggling to halt the growth and influence of jihadist groups.