Niger’s military reported on Saturday that a recent attack by jihadists resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers near the Malian border. This tragic incident occurred on Friday when an anti-terrorism unit was ambushed in what the military described as a “cowardly fashion” while the attackers were concealed amidst civilian camps.
The attack took place approximately 10 kilometers (about six miles) north of Sakoira, close to Tillaberi—a significant urban area in western Niger. Following the assault, Nigerien reinforcements were able to push the attackers back, forcing them to flee north toward the border with Mali. In the aftermath of the attack, the military has initiated a large-scale pursuit operation and announced that two suspected attackers have been apprehended.
The Tillaberi region, along with other areas near the borders of Mali and Burkina Faso, has been plagued by violent actions from jihadist groups associated with both Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State for several years. The current climate of instability is exacerbated by Niger’s political situation, as the country has been under the control of a military junta since a coup in July 2023. These ongoing conflicts pose significant challenges to regional security and safety for both military personnel and civilians alike.
