Niger: Suicide bombers attack Diffa June 4

Event

Multiple suicide attacks took place in the city of Diffa on the night of Monday, June 4 (local time). According to initial military reports, three bombers detonated their devices during a religious service at a mosque at approximately 22:00. At least nine people were killed in the blasts. Security forces conducted cordon and search operations throughout the city following the attacks.

Context

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks as of June 5; however, Boko Haram is suspected of carrying out the bombings. The Diffa region has seen repeated attacks by Boko Haram and its affiliates, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths and military casualties and thousands of displaced people.

Niger faces a high threat from terrorism, including armed attacks and abductions. Militant Islamist cells from various Nigerian and Malian terrorist groups - including Boko Haram, Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and Al-Mourabitoun - are all active in the country.

Advice

Due to the terrorist threat, individuals throughout Niger should exercise vigilance when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted by an attack (e.g. government buildings, prominent hotels, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to areas located in the north and west of the country, as well as areas along the Nigerian border to the south, due to the high risk of terrorist activity.