Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a devastating attack on Niger’s army on March 21.
According to the group, the ambush near the town of Teguey in the Tillaberi region led to the deaths of 30 soldiers, as reported through its Amaq news agency and Telegram channel. Niger’s defence ministry initially reported 23 casualties.
For 12 years, Niger, along with other neighbouring nations in West Africa, has faced ongoing terrorism from across the border with Mali. This has resulted in the displacement of millions of people, causing a severe humanitarian crisis.
West Africa, including Niger, has been suffering from increased Islamist violence since 2020. This has led to a number of military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These coups have altered diplomatic relationships, as the new governments have distanced themselves from Western allies and sought support from alternative partners.
Niger, for instance, recently terminated a military agreement permitting US soldiers on its territory, preferring to seek assistance from non-traditional allies such as Russia.