NIAMEY, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Niger's Defense and Security Forces (FDS) said they had "neutralized" 27 terrorists and mercenaries between March 9 and 15, including assailants involved in the attempted attack on the Tahoua air base in western Niger on March 9.

About 15 accomplices and suspects were also arrested as part of efforts to strengthen the security apparatus and dismantle logistical support networks for armed groups, according to the army's information bulletin broadcast on national television Tele-Sahel.

The forces also seized psychotropic substances and equipment, defused four improvised explosive devices, the bulletin said.

The FDS reaffirmed their "determination and full mobilization to continue the fight against security threats, consolidate operational gains, and ensure the sustainable protection of the population as well as the integrity of the national territory." ■