Niger: At least 57 security personnel killed in ISIS attacks

Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that at least 57 security personnel were killed on Wednesday in two attacks carried out by the Islamic State’s Sahel Province.

According to the report, 38 soldiers were killed in an initial attack on the Dabagu base in the Tillabéri region.

The area where the attack took place is located approximately 450 kilometers from Niger’s capital, Niamey, and near the Malian border. Many soldiers remain missing.

In another attack on the same day in Abala-Filinge, about 250 kilometers from Niamey, 19 police officers were killed.

Since seizing power in a 2023 coup, the military council has struggled to contain the long-standing jihadist conflict in the country.

Growing discontent is also reported within the army due to heavy casualties in fighting against Islamic groups. This led to a mutiny attempt in August, which was suppressed by the military council within hours.