Islamist attackers kill 20 at Niger military base

The bloody aftermath of a suicide attack that killed 20 soldiers in Niger.

This was part of the car engine used in Thursday's attack.

An Islamist militant group has claimed responsibility for this and a coordinated attack on a French-run uranium mine further north that injured at least 14 civilians.

They say it's in retaliation for the French-led offensive against Islamist insurgents in neighbouring Mali earlier this year.

Soldiers living at these barracks secured the area after a gunbattle that killed at least 20 of their comrades and injured 16. Three Islamist militants were also killed.

A 14-year old girl living nearby was injured when a stray bullet hit her leg.

Niger's Defence Minister Mamadou Karidjo flew to Agadez, saying the situation was now under control.

But more than 12 hours after the raid, one militant was still holding several military hostages inside the barracks.