Niger: One soldier killed in Tillaberi region August 1

Event

On the evening (local time) of Wednesday, August 1, unidentified armed men attacked a military patrol near the village of Inates (Tillaberi region). According to a military spokesperson, one soldier was killed, and another wounded in the fighting. No group has claimed responsibility as of August 3. Further clashes between security forces and armed groups are possible in the area in the coming weeks.

Context

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.