Niger's soldiers cited insecurity when they overthrew the government last month. Photo: Reuters

Six Niger soldiers and 10 "terrorists" have been killed during fighting in the west of the country, authorities said.

Suspected insurgents on motorbikes ambushed the troops near the western town of Sanam on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the National Guard High Command.

Sanam is in the Tillaberi tri-border area where Niger meets Mali and Burkina Faso, a region where militants'' attacks are common.

On August 9, five soldiers were killed in an attack in the same area, according to the military regime that has been in power since the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, AFP news agency reports.

Coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has justified the overthrow of Bazoum by referring to the "deteriorating security situation" in the country.

TRT Afrika and agencies