Niger mourns as extremists kill 89 soldiers

West African country, Niger, has confirmed the increase in the death toll of soldiers from 25 to 89, following an attack by Islamic extremists on the country's military last week.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the government announced that there will be three days national mourning beginning Monday.

In what is said to be the deadliest attack ever recorded by the country in years, at least 77 extremists were killed by Niger’s army and its foreign allies, most notably France and the United States.

According to the Associated Press, Thursday's attack on the Chinagrodrar Advanced Military post near the border with Mali was met with a military response, which included air support, pushed the extremists from Niger.

While no group has yet claimed responsibility, fingers point to the Islamic State-linked group that said it was behind the December ambush near the town of Inates that killed 71 persons.

“The government calls on the population to be more vigilant, more serene and united, and reaffirms its determination to continue the fight against terrorism until the final victory,” the government statement said.