Niger: Unidentified gunmen attack military patrol in Tillabéri region May 14 /update 1

Event

Unidentified gunmen attacked a military patrol near Tongo Tongo (Tillabéri region) at approximately 15:00 (local time) on Tuesday, May 14. According to a government spokesman, 29 soldiers were killed and several others were wounded as militants ambushed the patrol in Baley Beri village after it struck a roadside improvised explosive device (IED).

Similar attacks in western Niger are possible over the coming weeks.

Context

Militants have been increasingly active along the Niger-Mali-Burkina Faso border area, which the countries' respective governments have had difficulty securing in recent years. Officials placed the Tillabéri region under a state of emergency in March 2017 due to an increase in attacks targeting refugee camps and security forces.

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

Individuals in Niger are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for militant and criminal activity, and exercise vigilance when visiting sites deemed likely to be targeted in an attack (e.g. government buildings, prominent hotels, etc.). Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to areas located in the north and west of the country.