Dozens of civilians have reportedly lost their lives this week following airstrikes carried out by Nigerien forces targeting jihadists near the country’s western border with Mali. Eyewitness accounts provided to AFP on Friday revealed the tragic consequences of these military operations.
The region, known for its frequent attacks by Islamist militant groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, has seen the ruling military junta struggle to maintain security in the face of ongoing violence. Local residents described a harrowing incident on Monday wherein military strikes aimed at jihadists riding motorcycles resulted in significant civilian casualties in Injar. One resident recounted, “Army strikes targeted terrorists travelling on motorbikes, and there were dozens of civilian deaths.”
Further corroboration came from another local witness, reinforcing the account of devastation in the area. Injar lies approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Niamey, the capital, and is situated within the larger Tillaberi region, a hotspot for activities from jihadist groups active in both Burkina Faso and Mali. Locals have become accustomed to the menacing presence of militants who not only carry out deadly assaults but also engage in extortion and theft of livestock.
The Niger state television network, RTN, addressed the situation by referring to the “unfortunate events” in Injar that resulted in casualties and injuries, albeit without providing specific figures. Meanwhile, the media outlet Les Echos du Niger reported eyewitness claims indicating that there may have been “several dozen casualties” resulting from the military’s aerial operations.
In response to the incident, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the military leader of Niger, dispatched Colonel Main Boukar, the governor of the Tillaberi region, to Injar on Thursday to express condolences and support to the affected families. During his visit, which was broadcasted on RTN, Boukar met with the injured and urged local residents to adhere to a ban on motorcycle use to prevent civilians from being mistaken for militants.
This incident follows a disturbing pattern in Niger, as evidenced by a similar occurrence in January 2024 when civilian lives were lost during military airstrikes aimed at jihadists following an attack on a military installation in Tyawa, located near the Burkina Faso border. The ongoing violence underscores the challenges faced by the Nigerien military junta as it grapples with intensified threats from extremist groups threatening the stability of the region.
