Fifty-five people died in Niger's capital Niamey overnight when an overturned tanker truck exploded as crowds tried to collect spilt fuel, authorities and witnesses said Monday.

At least 55 dead after tanker truck exploded in Niger's capital Niamey

The US has ramped up its presence in Niger in order to stop the extremist group from mushrooming in Africa where Islamic State, Boko Haram and AQUIM regularly hit civilian targets.

Watch: US army exercises in Africa aims to combat extremists

US military official sought on Monday to tamp down criticism the Pentagon had not been forthcoming about the death of four US soldiers, providing a timeline of the incident

Top U.S. military officer seeks to address criticism of fatal Niger operation

The NGO worker was kidnapped on Friday night from Abalak, northeast of the capital Niamey, before being taken to Mali

US national abducted in Niger: Security source

The joint army operations took place ?around the villages of Gueskerou and Toumour in southeastern Niger between Monday and Wednesday

38 Boko Haram fighters killed this week during military raid in south Niger, says army

Officials say they were trying to get to neighbouring Algeria, were abandoned by human smugglers

34 migrants, including 20 children, found dead in Niger desert

Paris assists West Africa in the fight against Boko Haram with intelligence, logistics and training, but no combat troops directly involved

Niger President asks France to boost operations against Islamist militants

Niger vowed to avenge the deaths of 24 of its soldiers who were killed by Boko Haram insurgents in one of the jihadist group`s deadliest attacks in the country

Niger vows to avenge deadly raid by Boko Haram

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