In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region. Many others are wounded. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Witnesses and other officials confirmed the attack, which came as municipal and regional elections went ahead across the country.

On November 28, Boko Haram terrorists <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-kills-at-least-43-farm-workers-in-nigeria-346154">struck in Nigeria</a>. Around 30 of the men were beheaded in the attack in the village of Zabarmari.

"Some victims were killed or wounded by bullets, others were burnt inside their houses, consumed by the flames of an enormous fire set by the attackers," said an&nbsp;official.

Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, he added.

Roughly 70 attackers arrived at Toumour at around 1745 GMT on foot, having swum across Lake Chad, said the official. The attack itself lasted three hours.

"They first attacked the residence of the traditional chief, who only just managed to escape," he said.

"It was an attack of unprecedented savagery," said a local elected official who asked not to be named. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed."

(With agency inputs)

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region.

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region. Many others are wounded. Witnesses and other officials confirmed the attack, which came as municipal and regional elections went ahead across the country. On November 28, Boko Haram terrorists struck in Nigeria. Around 30 of the men were beheaded in the attack in the village of Zabarmari. "Some victims were killed or wounded by bullets, others were burnt inside their houses, consumed by the flames of an enormous fire set by the attackers," said an official. Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, he added. Roughly 70 attackers arrived at Toumour at around 1745 GMT on foot, having swum across Lake Chad, said the official. The attack itself lasted three hours. "They first attacked the residence of the traditional chief, who only just managed to escape," he said. "It was an attack of unprecedented savagery," said a local elected official who asked not to be named. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed." (With agency inputs)

Boko Haram Jihadists kill 27 in attack in Niger

Voters in the poor West African country of Niger cast ballots Sunday in municipal and regional polls two weeks ahead of a presidential election which the incumbent, Mahamadou Issoufou, will not contest because his two terms are up.

The ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS) is the overwhelming favourite in Sunday's poll and its presidential candidate Mohamed Bazoum is the runaway frontrunner in the December 27 ballot.

Some 7.4 million people are eligible to vote in the long-delayed polls in the country's 266 municipalities.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/executed-nigerian-farmers-were-caught-between-boko-haram-and-the-army-349161">&nbsp;Executed Nigerian farmers were caught between Boko Haram and the Army</a>

Many parts of the Sahel country's west and southeast have suffered repeated jihadists attacks since 2015, preventing people from registering to vote, according to the national electoral commission CENI.

Polls close at six pm (1700 GMT).

Issoufou, who was elected in 2011 and 2016, has won praise for his decision to step aside for a successor, unlike some counterparts on the continent who have pushed through constitutional changes in order to extend their presidencies.

The election should mark the first peaceful transfer of power in the history of the coup-prone former French colony.

Bazoum, 60, a former interior and foreign minister under Issoufou, is among 30 candidates in the race.

Last month Niger's constitutional court blocked main opposition leader Hama Amadou, 70, from running over a 2017 conviction for baby-smuggling, a case he claimed was politically motivated.

Voters in the poor West African country of Niger cast ballots Sunday in municipal and regional polls two weeks ahead of a presidential election which the incumbent, Mahamadou Issoufou, will not contest because his two terms are up.

Voters in the poor West African country of Niger cast ballots Sunday in municipal and regional polls two weeks ahead of a presidential election which the incumbent, Mahamadou Issoufou, will not contest because his two terms are up. The ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS) is the overwhelming favourite in Sunday's poll and its presidential candidate Mohamed Bazoum is the runaway frontrunner in the December 27 ballot. Some 7.4 million people are eligible to vote in the long-delayed polls in the country's 266 municipalities. Also read| Executed Nigerian farmers were caught between Boko Haram and the Army Many parts of the Sahel country's west and southeast have suffered repeated jihadists attacks since 2015, preventing people from registering to vote, according to the national electoral commission CENI. Polls close at six pm (1700 GMT). Issoufou, who was elected in 2011 and 2016, has won praise for his decision to step aside for a successor, unlike some counterparts on the continent who have pushed through constitutional changes in order to extend their presidencies. The election should mark the first peaceful transfer of power in the history of the coup-prone former French colony. Bazoum, 60, a former interior and foreign minister under Issoufou, is among 30 candidates in the race. Last month Niger's constitutional court blocked main opposition leader Hama Amadou, 70, from running over a 2017 conviction for baby-smuggling, a case he claimed was politically motivated.

Niger votes in city, regional polls ahead of presidential ballot

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey. The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is the first such centre which was established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019.

Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted a picture of himself at the convention centre saying, OIC meet was "taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today!"

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The 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of <a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>, taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis, it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today! <a href="https://t.co/RM9C2MNq1x">pic.twitter.com/RM9C2MNq1x</a>
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1332324120965623809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The centre was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during the former's visit to the country in January of this year.&nbsp;

A Ministry of External Affairs release that time said, "The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa."

The plenary hall of the centre has a capacity of 2000 people and with total cost being at USD 56 million. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited with Government of India's NBCC being the project management consultant for the project.&nbsp;

The total duration of construction was 13 months, and India is building more such centres across the continent. India offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in more than 20 countries in Africa. The centres in 9 countries are being built in the immediate phase.

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey.

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey. The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is the first such centre which was established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019. Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted a picture of himself at the convention centre saying, OIC meet was "taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today!" The 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of @OIC_OCI, taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis, it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today! pic.twitter.com/RM9C2MNq1x — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 27, 2020 × The centre was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during the former's visit to the country in January of this year. A Ministry of External Affairs release that time said, "The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa." The plenary hall of the centre has a capacity of 2000 people and with total cost being at USD 56 million. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited with Government of India's NBCC being the project management consultant for the project. The total duration of construction was 13 months, and India is building more such centres across the continent. India offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in more than 20 countries in Africa. The centres in 9 countries are being built in the immediate phase.

OIC meet takes place at India-built convention centre in Niger

An American citizen was kidnapped near the town of Birnin Konni in southern Niger in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

According to a Reuters report, the details of the kidnapping were not immediately clear, and no one had claimed responsibility on Tuesday morning.

Niger lies in the heart of the vast and impoverished Sahel, which is struggling with a jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Birnin Konni is a few hundred miles to the east of that region, near the border with Nigeria.

Several westerners are currently hostage in the region.

They include American aid worker Jeffery Woodke, who was kidnapped in the central town of Abalak in October 2016 and is believed to have been taken to neighbouring Mali.

The president of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, said in September last year that he had information that Woodke was alive and in good health.

Three Europeans, including 75-year-old French NGO worker Sophie Petronin, were released by their captors in Mali earlier this month under a prisoner swap arranged by the Malian government.

(with inputs)

An American citizen was kidnapped near the town of Birnin Konni in southern Niger in the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to a Reuters report, the details of the kidnapping were not immediately clear, and no one had claimed responsibility on Tuesday morning.

An American citizen was kidnapped near the town of Birnin Konni in southern Niger in the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to a Reuters report, the details of the kidnapping were not immediately clear, and no one had claimed responsibility on Tuesday morning. Niger lies in the heart of the vast and impoverished Sahel, which is struggling with a jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. Birnin Konni is a few hundred miles to the east of that region, near the border with Nigeria. Several westerners are currently hostage in the region. They include American aid worker Jeffery Woodke, who was kidnapped in the central town of Abalak in October 2016 and is believed to have been taken to neighbouring Mali. The president of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, said in September last year that he had information that Woodke was alive and in good health. Three Europeans, including 75-year-old French NGO worker Sophie Petronin, were released by their captors in Mali earlier this month under a prisoner swap arranged by the Malian government. (with inputs)

US national kidnapped in southern Niger, sources say

Soldiers in Niger executed dozens of civilians during the counterinsurgency campaign against jihadists in the country's troubled Tillaberi region, a probe into the deaths reported.

This campaign was carried out earlier this year.

The West African nation has suffered years of conflict with Islamic militants operating in the vast and inhospitable Sahel desert, with thousands of soldiers and civilians killed to date.

The national armies of Niger and its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have been accused of war crimes in their response operations, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Niger's National Commission on Human Rights was investigating reports by Amnesty International and other rights groups that 102 civilians had gone missing in the western province between March 27 and April 2 after an army operation.

Jihadist violence resulted in 4,000 deaths in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso last year, the United Nations has said.

The UN has condemned what it said was a spike in criminal acts by national armies in the Sahel at the beginning of this year, including more than 100 extrajudicial executions by the Malian army between January and March.

Amnesty International reported in June that the armies of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso had been responsible for nearly 200 disappearances in the space of a few months.

Soldiers in Niger executed dozens of civilians during the counterinsurgency campaign against jihadists in the country's troubled Tillaberi region, a probe into the deaths reported.

Soldiers in Niger executed dozens of civilians during the counterinsurgency campaign against jihadists in the country's troubled Tillaberi region, a probe into the deaths reported. This campaign was carried out earlier this year. The West African nation has suffered years of conflict with Islamic militants operating in the vast and inhospitable Sahel desert, with thousands of soldiers and civilians killed to date. The national armies of Niger and its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have been accused of war crimes in their response operations, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Niger's National Commission on Human Rights was investigating reports by Amnesty International and other rights groups that 102 civilians had gone missing in the western province between March 27 and April 2 after an army operation. Jihadist violence resulted in 4,000 deaths in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso last year, the United Nations has said. The UN has condemned what it said was a spike in criminal acts by national armies in the Sahel at the beginning of this year, including more than 100 extrajudicial executions by the Malian army between January and March. Amnesty International reported in June that the armies of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso had been responsible for nearly 200 disappearances in the space of a few months.

Niger soldiers executed dozens of civilians, probe says

President of France Emmanuel Macron on Sunday condemned the 'cowardly" attack on humanitarian workers in Niger and said he would do everything to shed light on the incident in which eight people died. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-french-tourists-among-eight-killed-by-gunmen-in-niger-319271">Also read: Six French tourists among eight killed by gunmen in Niger</a> 
 
The French President, who spoke with his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou, added that he was determined to help counter the "terrorist groups in the Sahel region".

On Sunday, gunmen had killed six French aid workers, a Nigerien guide and a driver in a wildlife park in Niger, according to officials in the West African country.

The group was attacked on Sunday in a giraffe reserve near Koure, a town about 65km (40 miles) from the capital, Niamey. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

"They were intercepted and killed," Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella, the governor of Tillaberi region, told Reuters news agency. 
 
The French government has warned citizens against traveling outside of the capital of Niamey as militants linked to Boko Haram, Islamic State and al-Qaida still carry out attacks across the vast West African nation.

Niger borders several countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria and Libya. Violence by groups linked to IS and al-Qaida is on the rise in the Sahel region.

France has deployed thousands of soldiers to help fight the growing insurgency there, and a local Sahel force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania has also been fighting the extremists.

(With inputs from agencies)

President of France Emmanuel Macron on Sunday condemned the 'cowardly" attack on humanitarian workers in Niger and said he would do everything to shed light on the incident in which eight people died.

President of France Emmanuel Macron on Sunday condemned the 'cowardly" attack on humanitarian workers in Niger and said he would do everything to shed light on the incident in which eight people died. Also read: Six French tourists among eight killed by gunmen in Niger The French President, who spoke with his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou, added that he was determined to help counter the "terrorist groups in the Sahel region". On Sunday, gunmen had killed six French aid workers, a Nigerien guide and a driver in a wildlife park in Niger, according to officials in the West African country. The group was attacked on Sunday in a giraffe reserve near Koure, a town about 65km (40 miles) from the capital, Niamey. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. "They were intercepted and killed," Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella, the governor of Tillaberi region, told Reuters news agency. The French government has warned citizens against traveling outside of the capital of Niamey as militants linked to Boko Haram, Islamic State and al-Qaida still carry out attacks across the vast West African nation. Niger borders several countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria and Libya. Violence by groups linked to IS and al-Qaida is on the rise in the Sahel region. France has deployed thousands of soldiers to help fight the growing insurgency there, and a local Sahel force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania has also been fighting the extremists. (With inputs from agencies)

Macron condemns 'cowardly' attack in Niger, vows to fight 'terrorist groups in the Sahel region'

Emmanuel Macron condemns 'Cowardly' killing of aid workers in Niger | World News

Six French tourists, their local guide and driver have been killed by unidentified gunmen riding motorcycles in an area of southwestern Niger home to the last herd of West African giraffes.

Gunmen kill French tourists in southwestern Niger | World news

Six French tourists and their local guide and driver were killed Sunday by gunmen riding motorcycles in an area of southwestern Niger that is home to the last West African giraffes, officials said.

It is believed to be the first such attack on tourists in the area, a popular attraction in the former French colony thanks to its unique population of West African or Niger giraffes.

"There are eight dead: two Nigeriens including a guide and a driver, while the other six are French," the governor of the Tillaberi region told AFP.

"We are managing the situation, we will give more information later," Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella said, without indicating who was behind the attack.

A source close to the environmental services said the assault took place at around 11:30 am (1030 GMT) six kilometres (four miles) east of the town of Koure, which is an hour's drive from the capital Niamey.

"Most of the victims were shot... We found a magazine emptied of its cartridges at the scene," the source told AFP.

"We do not know the identity of the attackers but they came on motorcycles through the bush and waited for the arrival of the tourists."

The source added that the tourists' vehicle belonged to the French humanitarian organisation ACTED.

Grisly pictures seen by AFP of the scene showed bodies lying near a torched off-road vehicle, which had bullet holes in its rear window.

Around 20 years ago, a small herd of West African giraffes, a subspecies distinguished by its lighter colour, found a safe haven from poachers and predators in the Koure area.

Today they number in their hundreds and are a key tourist attraction, enjoying the protection of local people and conservation groups.&nbsp;

However the Tillaberi region is in a hugely unstable location, near the borders of Mali and Burkina Faso.&nbsp;

The region has become a hideout for Sahel jihadist groups such as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).

The use of motorcycles has been totally banned since January in an attempt to curb the movements of such jihadists.

Six French tourists and their local guide and driver were killed Sunday by gunmen riding motorcycles in an area of southwestern Niger that is home to the last West African giraffes, officials said.

Six French tourists and their local guide and driver were killed Sunday by gunmen riding motorcycles in an area of southwestern Niger that is home to the last West African giraffes, officials said. It is believed to be the first such attack on tourists in the area, a popular attraction in the former French colony thanks to its unique population of West African or Niger giraffes. "There are eight dead: two Nigeriens including a guide and a driver, while the other six are French," the governor of the Tillaberi region told AFP. "We are managing the situation, we will give more information later," Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella said, without indicating who was behind the attack. A source close to the environmental services said the assault took place at around 11:30 am (1030 GMT) six kilometres (four miles) east of the town of Koure, which is an hour's drive from the capital Niamey. "Most of the victims were shot... We found a magazine emptied of its cartridges at the scene," the source told AFP. "We do not know the identity of the attackers but they came on motorcycles through the bush and waited for the arrival of the tourists." The source added that the tourists' vehicle belonged to the French humanitarian organisation ACTED. Grisly pictures seen by AFP of the scene showed bodies lying near a torched off-road vehicle, which had bullet holes in its rear window. Around 20 years ago, a small herd of West African giraffes, a subspecies distinguished by its lighter colour, found a safe haven from poachers and predators in the Koure area. Today they number in their hundreds and are a key tourist attraction, enjoying the protection of local people and conservation groups. However the Tillaberi region is in a hugely unstable location, near the borders of Mali and Burkina Faso. The region has become a hideout for Sahel jihadist groups such as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). The use of motorcycles has been totally banned since January in an attempt to curb the movements of such jihadists.

Six French tourists among eight killed by gunmen in Niger

Nearly three million people in Niger, over half of whom are children, are suffering at the hands of various natural and man-made crises and are in need of humanitarian aid, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

In a statement, UNICEF cited "the risks posed by insecurity, malnutrition, recurrent disease epidemics and outbreaks, cyclical floods, droughts and displacement" as the causes behind a crisis threatening 2.9 million people, including 1.6 million children.

"Insecurity is spreading at a rapid pace in the central Sahel region," said Felicite Tchibindat, UNICEF's regional nutrition advisor, following a visit to the conflict-affected region of Diffa.

"Women and children are bearing the brunt of the violence.&nbsp;

"In already fragile host communities, the burden of forced displacement increases the vulnerability of children and communities and significantly affects their health, protection, nutrition and education."

Since 2015, Niger has struggled against a wave of jihadist attacks near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso in the west, exacerbating needs in Tillaberi and Tahoua regions, where nearly 78,000 people have been displaced.

"Attacks against civilians in the Lake Chad region prevented 263,000 people in Diffa from returning to their homes," said the statement, adding that deteriorating security on the border with Nigeria has also resulted in the movement of tens of thousands of people.

Niger is home to nearly 450,000 refugees &nbsp;-- Nigerians, Malians and Burkinabe -- and internally displaced people, trying to escape jihadist violence or armed gangs, according to the UN.&nbsp;

Some refugees and displaced persons live in the midst of an already very poor population.

"In a context of constrained resources and limited social services, the communities that host displaced populations are showing extraordinary resilience and sharing the little they have," said Tchibindat.

"This truly is a great example that Nigeriens are showing to world."

On Monday, 15 women and five children were trampled to death in a stampede for food and money for refugees in the southeast of the country.

According to UN figures, jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger left around 4,000 dead last year.

Nearly three million people in Niger, over half of whom are children, are suffering at the hands of various natural and man-made crises and are in need of humanitarian aid, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

Nearly three million people in Niger, over half of whom are children, are suffering at the hands of various natural and man-made crises and are in need of humanitarian aid, the United Nations said on Wednesday. In a statement, UNICEF cited "the risks posed by insecurity, malnutrition, recurrent disease epidemics and outbreaks, cyclical floods, droughts and displacement" as the causes behind a crisis threatening 2.9 million people, including 1.6 million children. "Insecurity is spreading at a rapid pace in the central Sahel region," said Felicite Tchibindat, UNICEF's regional nutrition advisor, following a visit to the conflict-affected region of Diffa. "Women and children are bearing the brunt of the violence. "In already fragile host communities, the burden of forced displacement increases the vulnerability of children and communities and significantly affects their health, protection, nutrition and education." Since 2015, Niger has struggled against a wave of jihadist attacks near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso in the west, exacerbating needs in Tillaberi and Tahoua regions, where nearly 78,000 people have been displaced. "Attacks against civilians in the Lake Chad region prevented 263,000 people in Diffa from returning to their homes," said the statement, adding that deteriorating security on the border with Nigeria has also resulted in the movement of tens of thousands of people. Niger is home to nearly 450,000 refugees -- Nigerians, Malians and Burkinabe -- and internally displaced people, trying to escape jihadist violence or armed gangs, according to the UN. Some refugees and displaced persons live in the midst of an already very poor population. "In a context of constrained resources and limited social services, the communities that host displaced populations are showing extraordinary resilience and sharing the little they have," said Tchibindat. "This truly is a great example that Nigeriens are showing to world." On Monday, 15 women and five children were trampled to death in a stampede for food and money for refugees in the southeast of the country. According to UN figures, jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger left around 4,000 dead last year.

Nearly three million in need of aid in Niger, UN says

They are cheap, made from components that are easily obtained and murderously effective.

Security experts say that in the arsenal of jihadist groups whose insurgency is shaking the Sahel state of Burkina Faso, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadists-kill-four-nigerian-troops-sources-263148">improvised explosive device</a> (IED) is one of the deadliest weapons.

"With 15,000-20,000 CFA francs ($25 / 23 euros to $34 / 30 euros), you've got an IED that can destroy something worth a thousand times more," a security source said.

"It's a poor man's weapon in an asymmetrical war."

Thousands of civilians and soldiers have died in violence across the Sahel which began when armed Islamists revolted in northern Mali in 2012.

The conflict has since spread to neighbouring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/exclusive-mine-workers-demanded-more-protection-before-deadly-burkina-faso-attack-263092">Burkina Faso</a> as well as Niger, two of the world's poorest and most fragile countries.

"IEDs appeared in (Burkina Faso) in mid-2018. Since then, we have recorded 33 attacks with IEDs, claiming 133 lives," said Italian researcher Roberto Sollazzo.

Hidden in plastic to thwart metal detectors, packed with nails for a shrapnel effect, the IED is increasingly used in roadside ambushes.

On&nbsp;November 6, an attack on a convoy of Canadian mining company Semafo killed 38 people. The IED blew up a military escort vehicle before jihadist forces emerged from behind cover to machine-gun the buses.

Motorbike parts&nbsp;

"The point of an IED is that it has to be made cheaply, using locally available materials," Sollazzo said.

"Burkina is a nation of mopeds," he said, referring to a light motorcycle also known as a mobylette.

"There are 300,000 of them in the country. So many components of an IED can be taken from them without attracting the attention of the security forces."

Mopeds are cannibalised for their rubber tyres, which are used in parts of a simple pressure-plate switch that activates the bomb when a vehicle passes over it, and for their batteries, which ignite the detonator.

For fuses and detonators, the jihadists go to the same suppliers as artisanal gold-diggers who buy the materials to blast rocks at mining sites.

"A box of 166 detonators costs 600,000 CFA francs, which is 3,500 CFA francs for one detonator. It's 300,000 CFA for 250 metres (820 feet) of fuse wire. When you buy this stuff, nobody asks any questions," Sollazzo said.

"There's trafficking from Ghana for the gold-diggers. They can buy a package of dynamite, fuse and detonator for 5,000 CFA francs."

Dynamite or fertiliser bomb&nbsp;

Such kits are enough for the miners, who lack the means to buy in bulk.

"But what interests the jihadists most is the detonator," the security expert said.

The non-profit International Crisis Group (ICG) warned in a report in November that jihadist groups are taking a growing interest in artisanal mines as a "new source of finance, even a recruiting ground", with potential for training in the handling of explosive materials.

Apart from dynamite, IEDs may also use a mix of ammonium nitrate, a chemical found in fertiliser that is sold in Burkina Faso for 20,000 CFA francs for a 50-kilogramme (110-pound) bag&nbsp;and fuel oil, which again is scavenged from mopeds.

Sollazzo says that "the most complicated" aspect for bomb makers is getting the IED to explode.

"Mostly it's done with wire and a manual trigger," he said, while the security expert said Chinese-made remote-control devices were emerging that appear to have been brought in from neighbouring Mali.

They are cheap, made from components that are easily obtained and murderously effective. Security experts say that in the arsenal of jihadist groups whose insurgency is shaking the Sahel state of Burkina Faso, the improvised explosive device (IED) is one of the deadliest weapons.

They are cheap, made from components that are easily obtained and murderously effective. Security experts say that in the arsenal of jihadist groups whose insurgency is shaking the Sahel state of Burkina Faso, the improvised explosive device (IED) is one of the deadliest weapons. "With 15,000-20,000 CFA francs ($25 / 23 euros to $34 / 30 euros), you've got an IED that can destroy something worth a thousand times more," a security source said. "It's a poor man's weapon in an asymmetrical war." Thousands of civilians and soldiers have died in violence across the Sahel which began when armed Islamists revolted in northern Mali in 2012. The conflict has since spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso as well as Niger, two of the world's poorest and most fragile countries. "IEDs appeared in (Burkina Faso) in mid-2018. Since then, we have recorded 33 attacks with IEDs, claiming 133 lives," said Italian researcher Roberto Sollazzo. Hidden in plastic to thwart metal detectors, packed with nails for a shrapnel effect, the IED is increasingly used in roadside ambushes. On November 6, an attack on a convoy of Canadian mining company Semafo killed 38 people. The IED blew up a military escort vehicle before jihadist forces emerged from behind cover to machine-gun the buses. Motorbike parts "The point of an IED is that it has to be made cheaply, using locally available materials," Sollazzo said. "Burkina is a nation of mopeds," he said, referring to a light motorcycle also known as a mobylette. "There are 300,000 of them in the country. So many components of an IED can be taken from them without attracting the attention of the security forces." Mopeds are cannibalised for their rubber tyres, which are used in parts of a simple pressure-plate switch that activates the bomb when a vehicle passes over it, and for their batteries, which ignite the detonator. For fuses and detonators, the jihadists go to the same suppliers as artisanal gold-diggers who buy the materials to blast rocks at mining sites. "A box of 166 detonators costs 600,000 CFA francs, which is 3,500 CFA francs for one detonator. It's 300,000 CFA for 250 metres (820 feet) of fuse wire. When you buy this stuff, nobody asks any questions," Sollazzo said. "There's trafficking from Ghana for the gold-diggers. They can buy a package of dynamite, fuse and detonator for 5,000 CFA francs." Dynamite or fertiliser bomb Such kits are enough for the miners, who lack the means to buy in bulk. "But what interests the jihadists most is the detonator," the security expert said. The non-profit International Crisis Group (ICG) warned in a report in November that jihadist groups are taking a growing interest in artisanal mines as a "new source of finance, even a recruiting ground", with potential for training in the handling of explosive materials. Apart from dynamite, IEDs may also use a mix of ammonium nitrate, a chemical found in fertiliser that is sold in Burkina Faso for 20,000 CFA francs for a 50-kilogramme (110-pound) bag and fuel oil, which again is scavenged from mopeds. Sollazzo says that "the most complicated" aspect for bomb makers is getting the IED to explode. "Mostly it's done with wire and a manual trigger," he said, while the security expert said Chinese-made remote-control devices were emerging that appear to have been brought in from neighbouring Mali.

In Burkina Faso, 'poor man's bomb' reaps a bloody toll

Climate change threatens end of trail for Niger's nomadic herders

Thirteen French soldiers fighting jihadists in Mali were killed in an accident between two helicopters, the French presidency said on Tuesday, the single biggest loss of French troops in combat in the region since intervening there in 2013.

France has a 4,500-strong Barkhane force countering Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel region, where violence by militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State in the sparely-populated area has proliferated in recent years.

"The president announces with deep sadness the death of 13 French troops in Mali on the evening of November 25, in an accident between their two helicopters during a combat mission against jihadists," the statement from the president's office said.

The circumstances surrounding the accident were not immediately clear. France's Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said the incident occurred while the helicopters were in flight.

The Defence Ministry said the helicopters involved were a Tiger and Cougar and the operation took place in central Mali.

"They were supporting commandos from the Barkhane force who were engaged with armed terrorists," the ministry said in a statement.

France, the former colonial power in the region, intervened in Mali six years ago to drive out Islamist militants who had occupied the north and still use swathes of the country as a launchpad for attacks across the largely desert region.

Paris has since kept troops in the region as part of Barkhane counter-terrorism operations, while western powers have provided funding to a regional force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania.

France has been frustrated that it is taking the brunt of operations on the ground, although other European countries have provided logistical support, trainers and some special forces.

By reinforcing African forces, Paris sees an eventual exit strategy for what is its biggest foreign deployment, diplomats say.

Monday's deaths bring the total number of French soldiers killed in the Sahel to 28.

Thirteen French soldiers fighting jihadists in Mali were killed in an accident between two helicopters, the French presidency said on Tuesday, the single biggest loss of French troops in combat in the region since intervening there in 2013.

Thirteen French soldiers fighting jihadists in Mali were killed in an accident between two helicopters, the French presidency said on Tuesday, the single biggest loss of French troops in combat in the region since intervening there in 2013. France has a 4,500-strong Barkhane force countering Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel region, where violence by militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State in the sparely-populated area has proliferated in recent years. "The president announces with deep sadness the death of 13 French troops in Mali on the evening of November 25, in an accident between their two helicopters during a combat mission against jihadists," the statement from the president's office said. The circumstances surrounding the accident were not immediately clear. France's Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said the incident occurred while the helicopters were in flight. The Defence Ministry said the helicopters involved were a Tiger and Cougar and the operation took place in central Mali. "They were supporting commandos from the Barkhane force who were engaged with armed terrorists," the ministry said in a statement. France, the former colonial power in the region, intervened in Mali six years ago to drive out Islamist militants who had occupied the north and still use swathes of the country as a launchpad for attacks across the largely desert region. Paris has since kept troops in the region as part of Barkhane counter-terrorism operations, while western powers have provided funding to a regional force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania. France has been frustrated that it is taking the brunt of operations on the ground, although other European countries have provided logistical support, trainers and some special forces. By reinforcing African forces, Paris sees an eventual exit strategy for what is its biggest foreign deployment, diplomats say. Monday's deaths bring the total number of French soldiers killed in the Sahel to 28.

Thirteen French helicopter troops killed in Mali combat operation

Floods in southeast Niger have forced 23,000 people to flee their homes since early October, officials said Saturday, threatening a new humanitarian crisis in a region already wracked by Boko Haram Islamist violence.

Heavy rains have caused the Komadougou Yobe river that flows through the semi-desert Diffa region into Lake Chad to burst its banks, inundating villages, flooding fields and damaging crops.

Two villages near the city of Diffa were "completely submerged" and 2,500 households have been forced to move, according to national radio the Voice of the Sahel.

Some 400 families were sheltering in a gym in the city, it added.

"We have been fighting for days to stop the water rising, but it's not working," Amadou Issa, a rice farmer, told AFP. "The sandbags we've been using to keep the water out are completely underwater."

Extreme weather events are common in Niger, one of the world's poorest countries.

Between June and September, 57 people were killed and more than 130,000 affected by flooding according to government figures.

The capital Niamey was hit badly in September, with the waters of the Niger river, the third biggest in Africa, rising to a level not seen in more than 50 years and swamping parts of the city.

Last year, drought and flooding led to food shortages in a crisis which, exacerbated by jihadist violence, left more than 10 percent of the population needing humanitarian aid.

Niger, along with neighbouring Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Mauritania are also struggling against escalating attacks by armed Islamists.

According to the UN's human rights agency UNHCR, the Diffa region is home to almost 120,000 refugees and 109,000 internally displaced people.

Floods in southeast Niger have forced 23,000 people to flee their homes since early October, officials said Saturday, threatening a new humanitarian crisis in a region already wracked by Boko Haram Islamist violence.

Floods in southeast Niger have forced 23,000 people to flee their homes since early October, officials said Saturday, threatening a new humanitarian crisis in a region already wracked by Boko Haram Islamist violence. Heavy rains have caused the Komadougou Yobe river that flows through the semi-desert Diffa region into Lake Chad to burst its banks, inundating villages, flooding fields and damaging crops. Two villages near the city of Diffa were "completely submerged" and 2,500 households have been forced to move, according to national radio the Voice of the Sahel. Some 400 families were sheltering in a gym in the city, it added. "We have been fighting for days to stop the water rising, but it's not working," Amadou Issa, a rice farmer, told AFP. "The sandbags we've been using to keep the water out are completely underwater." Extreme weather events are common in Niger, one of the world's poorest countries. Between June and September, 57 people were killed and more than 130,000 affected by flooding according to government figures. The capital Niamey was hit badly in September, with the waters of the Niger river, the third biggest in Africa, rising to a level not seen in more than 50 years and swamping parts of the city. Last year, drought and flooding led to food shortages in a crisis which, exacerbated by jihadist violence, left more than 10 percent of the population needing humanitarian aid. Niger, along with neighbouring Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Mauritania are also struggling against escalating attacks by armed Islamists. According to the UN's human rights agency UNHCR, the Diffa region is home to almost 120,000 refugees and 109,000 internally displaced people.

Niger floods force 23,000 from their homes

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit.&nbsp;

The summit will take place from July 7-8&nbsp;in its capital Niamey. The grant assistance was handed over to Niger deputy foreign minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by the Indian envoy to Niger Rajesh Agarwal.&nbsp;

This is the first time the country is hosting the AU summit and India's support was in response to a specific request made by the Niger government. The AU summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Indian assistance comes even as the government&nbsp;increases its engagement with the continent.&nbsp;

New Delhi in October 2015 had hosted the India-Africa summit that had seen&nbsp;maximum participation of African head of states and governments. Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou had participated in the 2015 summit and also visited India in March 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance.&nbsp;

India opened its mission in Niamey in 2009 and has provided Lines of Credit worth $ 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. &nbsp;

New Delhi is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in the country and is likely to host meetings associated with the upcoming AU summit.

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit. The summit will take place from July 7-8 in its capital Niamey.

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit. The summit will take place from July 7-8 in its capital Niamey. The grant assistance was handed over to Niger deputy foreign minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by the Indian envoy to Niger Rajesh Agarwal. This is the first time the country is hosting the AU summit and India's support was in response to a specific request made by the Niger government. The AU summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Indian assistance comes even as the government increases its engagement with the continent. New Delhi in October 2015 had hosted the India-Africa summit that had seen maximum participation of African head of states and governments. Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou had participated in the 2015 summit and also visited India in March 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance. India opened its mission in Niamey in 2009 and has provided Lines of Credit worth $ 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. New Delhi is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in the country and is likely to host meetings associated with the upcoming AU summit.

India extends $15 million to Niger for African Union summit

A US army vehicle was damaged in a mine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-global-round-up-niger-fuel-tanker-explosion-kills-at-least-58-people-216595">explosion in western Niger</a>, but there were no fatalities, and the US military was investigating whether the incident was hostile, embassy and local security forces said on Sunday.

The incident occurred in Ouallam in the Tillaberi region, not far from the border with Mali, where four US soldiers and five Niger soldiers were killed in an ambush in 2017, according to the sources.

"A US mine-resistant, the ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle was damaged in Niger" on Saturday, the US embassy in Niamey said in a statement.

Ouallam is located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Niamey and is home to a major training camp of the Nigerien army where soldiers are trained to participate in the UN Mission in Mali, known as Minusma.

"The incident occurred outside a weapons range, so it is possible that non-hostile factors were the cause of the damage," it said. "We're still looking to confirm that element."

The US mission in Niger has been heavily scrutinised in the wake of the 2017 attack.

In that October 4 ambush, US special forces soldiers and Nigerien troops were attacked by fighters affiliated with the Islamic State group and equipped with small arms, grenades and trucks mounted with guns.&nbsp;

The US Pentagon has remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the ambush and the nature of the mission in Niger.

The US operates an aerial drone base in Agadez that provides surveillance of Boko Haram fighters and others allied with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) that operate along borders with Libya, Mali and Nigeria.

Niamey has also given the US permission to base armed drones on its soil.

On May 14, 2019, 28 Niger soldiers were killed near the village of Tongo Tongo when they were ambushed "by heavily armed terrorists," according to the Niger government.&nbsp;

A US army vehicle was damaged in a mine explosion in western Niger, but there were no fatalities, and the US military was investigating whether the incident was hostile, embassy and local security forces said on Sunday.

A US army vehicle was damaged in a mine explosion in western Niger, but there were no fatalities, and the US military was investigating whether the incident was hostile, embassy and local security forces said on Sunday. The incident occurred in Ouallam in the Tillaberi region, not far from the border with Mali, where four US soldiers and five Niger soldiers were killed in an ambush in 2017, according to the sources. "A US mine-resistant, the ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle was damaged in Niger" on Saturday, the US embassy in Niamey said in a statement. Ouallam is located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Niamey and is home to a major training camp of the Nigerien army where soldiers are trained to participate in the UN Mission in Mali, known as Minusma. "The incident occurred outside a weapons range, so it is possible that non-hostile factors were the cause of the damage," it said. "We're still looking to confirm that element." The US mission in Niger has been heavily scrutinised in the wake of the 2017 attack. In that October 4 ambush, US special forces soldiers and Nigerien troops were attacked by fighters affiliated with the Islamic State group and equipped with small arms, grenades and trucks mounted with guns. The US Pentagon has remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the ambush and the nature of the mission in Niger. The US operates an aerial drone base in Agadez that provides surveillance of Boko Haram fighters and others allied with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) that operate along borders with Libya, Mali and Nigeria. Niamey has also given the US permission to base armed drones on its soil. On May 14, 2019, 28 Niger soldiers were killed near the village of Tongo Tongo when they were ambushed "by heavily armed terrorists," according to the Niger government.

United States army vehicle damaged in mine explosion in Niger

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.

The blast on the RN1 route near Niamey's international airport left the burnt truck's wreckage, motorbikes and debris scattered over the road. Nearby houses were also damaged by fire.

The toll from the explosion was 55 dead and 36 injured, an interior ministry spokesman said.

"Motorbike riders and people were all around the truck when it exploded all of a sudden," a local trader said. "I saw at least 40 dead."

Witnesses said people were trying to collect petrol leaking from the truck, which had overturned on railway tracks, when the explosion happened.

"It just before midnight when I went out and I saw the truck overturned. People came from everywhere to take gas, then I saw fire on its side and everything burst into flames," a college student told AFP.

Niger, a poor West African country, has been trying to stamp out fuel smuggling from neighbouring Nigeria.

Nigeria, a major oil producer, has seen similar deadly accidents and explosions in the past when people try to steal fuel from oil pipelines.&nbsp;

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.

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. The blast on the RN1 route near Niamey's international airport left the burnt truck's wreckage, motorbikes and debris scattered over the road. Nearby houses were also damaged by fire. The toll from the explosion was 55 dead and 36 injured, an interior ministry spokesman said. "Motorbike riders and people were all around the truck when it exploded all of a sudden," a local trader said. "I saw at least 40 dead." Witnesses said people were trying to collect petrol leaking from the truck, which had overturned on railway tracks, when the explosion happened. "It just before midnight when I went out and I saw the truck overturned. People came from everywhere to take gas, then I saw fire on its side and everything burst into flames," a college student told AFP. Niger, a poor West African country, has been trying to stamp out fuel smuggling from neighbouring Nigeria. Nigeria, a major oil producer, has seen similar deadly accidents and explosions in the past when people try to steal fuel from oil pipelines.

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

US forces concluded a nine-day military exercise "Flintlock 2018" in Niger aimed at stopping the spread of extremist organizations in the continent.

Reuters quoted colonel Craig Miller, US Air Force special operations Command Africa, saying: "Under-governed spaces might provide an opportunity and certainly that's something that our African partners are concerned about and we are trying to assist them in understanding the human dynamics." &nbsp;

A multinational headquarters was put up&nbsp;in Agadez, Niger to set the exercise in motion which was attended by forces from Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal.

"We are working by, with and through our African partners to build stability, to provide some training and to help them conduct operations against the violent extremist organizations that are operating inside their territory," Craig Miller told Reuters.

Two US soldiers were killed in Tongo last year after an ambush by Islamic State-linked organization.

The US has ramped up its presence in Niger in order to stop the extremist&nbsp;group from mushrooming in Africa where Islamic State, Boko Haram and AQUIM regularly hit civilian targets.

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.

US forces concluded a nine-day military exercise "Flintlock 2018" in Niger aimed at stopping the spread of extremist organizations in the continent. Reuters quoted colonel Craig Miller, US Air Force special operations Command Africa, saying: "Under-governed spaces might provide an opportunity and certainly that's something that our African partners are concerned about and we are trying to assist them in understanding the human dynamics." A multinational headquarters was put up in Agadez, Niger to set the exercise in motion which was attended by forces from Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal. "We are working by, with and through our African partners to build stability, to provide some training and to help them conduct operations against the violent extremist organizations that are operating inside their territory," Craig Miller told Reuters. Two US soldiers were killed in Tongo last year after an ambush by Islamic State-linked organization. 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

&nbsp;The top US military officer sought on Monday to tamp down criticism the Pentagon had not been forthcoming about the death of four US&nbsp;soldiers in an ambush in Niger, providing a timeline of the incident and acknowledging unanswered questions remained.

General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the US&nbsp;military&#39;s Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that the United States Africa Command was conducting an investigation into the Oct. 4 attack. Some lawmakers have criticized the Pentagon for being slow to provide answers.

Dunford acknowledged that a number of issues were still under investigation, including why US&nbsp;forces on the ground waited an hour until they called for support, what type of intelligence was used in the mission and why it took as long as it did to recover a US&nbsp;soldier&#39;s body.

&quot;There has been a lot of speculation about the operation in Niger and there&#39;s a perception that the Department of Defense has not been forthcoming and I thought it would be helpful for me to personally clarify to you what we know today, and to outline what we hope to find out in the ongoing investigation,&quot; Dunford said in a news conference.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump&rsquo;s handling of condolence messages to the families of the dead soldiers has been criticized by lawmakers in Washington and has raised the profile of the deadly incident.

Dunford said for the first time that US&nbsp;forces on the ground in Niger waited an hour before calling for support. Within minutes, a US drone located nearby was moved over the firefight and provided intelligence and full-motion video. 
French fighter jets arrived at the scene about an hour after that, said Dunford.

&quot;It is important to note that when they didn&#39;t ask for support for that first hour, my judgment would be&nbsp;that unit thought they could handle the situation without additional support,&quot; Dunford said.

The French fighters did not drop bombs when they arrived, something Dunford said was under investigation. 
 
QUESTIONS FROM LAWMAKERS

 
Republican John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said last week he may consider issuing a subpoena because the White House had not been forthcoming with details of the attack.

On Monday, McCain said lawmakers were getting cooperation and information from the Pentagon and expected a &quot;formal hearing&quot; on Thursday about the ambush.

The attack threw a spotlight on the little-known counterterrorism mission in the West African country, which has about 800 U.S. troops, out of a total of 6,000 U.S. troops in Africa. The United States says it is there to support Niger in fighting Islamist extremists.

The Pentagon said at the time that three soldiers had been killed in the ambush. The body of a fourth soldier, Sergeant La David Johnson, was recovered about two days later.

Dunford said that on Oct. 3, a dozen U.S. soldiers accompanied 30 Nigerien forces on a reconnaissance mission near the village of Tongo Tongo.

After spending the night near the village, the forces were moving back to their base when they came under attack from about 50 enemy fighters, who appeared to be from a local Islamic State affiliate. The militants attacked with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, Dunford said.

&quot;It was planned as a reconnaissance mission,&quot; Dunford said. &quot;What happened after they began to execute, in other words, did the mission change? That is one of the questions that&#39;s being asked,&quot; he said. 
 
CONSIDERED A LOWER-RISK MISSION

 
The mission had been seen as a relatively lower-risk endeavor for elite US&nbsp;commandos and there was no armed air cover at the time that could carry out air strikes if necessary.

He added there was no indication the soldiers had taken too many risks.

&quot;I don&#39;t have any indication right now to believe or to know that they did anything other than operating within the orders they were given,&quot; Dunford said.

US&nbsp;forces were conducting normal operations in Niger again and the plan was for them to continue to train and advise local partners. Dunford said there had been no discussions about increasing US&nbsp;troops.

A controversy has swirled for a week over how Trump has handled the task of consoling relatives of slain service members.

Myeshia Johnson, the widow of the Army sergeant killed in Niger, said on Monday that Trump had &quot;made me cry even worse&quot; in a condolence call when he said her husband &quot;knew what he signed up for.&quot;

&ldquo;We owe the families as much information as we can find out about what happened, and we owe the American people an explanation of what their men and women were doing at this particular time,&quot; Dunford said.

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

The top US military officer sought on Monday to tamp down criticism the Pentagon had not been forthcoming about the death of four US soldiers in an ambush in Niger, providing a timeline of the incident and acknowledging unanswered questions remained. General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the US military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that the United States Africa Command was conducting an investigation into the Oct. 4 attack. Some lawmakers have criticized the Pentagon for being slow to provide answers. Dunford acknowledged that a number of issues were still under investigation, including why US forces on the ground waited an hour until they called for support, what type of intelligence was used in the mission and why it took as long as it did to recover a US soldier's body. "There has been a lot of speculation about the operation in Niger and there's a perception that the Department of Defense has not been forthcoming and I thought it would be helpful for me to personally clarify to you what we know today, and to outline what we hope to find out in the ongoing investigation," Dunford said in a news conference. US President Donald Trump’s handling of condolence messages to the families of the dead soldiers has been criticized by lawmakers in Washington and has raised the profile of the deadly incident. Dunford said for the first time that US forces on the ground in Niger waited an hour before calling for support. Within minutes, a US drone located nearby was moved over the firefight and provided intelligence and full-motion video. French fighter jets arrived at the scene about an hour after that, said Dunford. "It is important to note that when they didn't ask for support for that first hour, my judgment would be that unit thought they could handle the situation without additional support," Dunford said. The French fighters did not drop bombs when they arrived, something Dunford said was under investigation. QUESTIONS FROM LAWMAKERS Republican John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said last week he may consider issuing a subpoena because the White House had not been forthcoming with details of the attack. On Monday, McCain said lawmakers were getting cooperation and information from the Pentagon and expected a "formal hearing" on Thursday about the ambush. The attack threw a spotlight on the little-known counterterrorism mission in the West African country, which has about 800 U.S. troops, out of a total of 6,000 U.S. troops in Africa. The United States says it is there to support Niger in fighting Islamist extremists. The Pentagon said at the time that three soldiers had been killed in the ambush. The body of a fourth soldier, Sergeant La David Johnson, was recovered about two days later. Dunford said that on Oct. 3, a dozen U.S. soldiers accompanied 30 Nigerien forces on a reconnaissance mission near the village of Tongo Tongo. After spending the night near the village, the forces were moving back to their base when they came under attack from about 50 enemy fighters, who appeared to be from a local Islamic State affiliate. The militants attacked with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, Dunford said. "It was planned as a reconnaissance mission," Dunford said. "What happened after they began to execute, in other words, did the mission change? That is one of the questions that's being asked," he said. CONSIDERED A LOWER-RISK MISSION The mission had been seen as a relatively lower-risk endeavor for elite US commandos and there was no armed air cover at the time that could carry out air strikes if necessary. He added there was no indication the soldiers had taken too many risks. "I don't have any indication right now to believe or to know that they did anything other than operating within the orders they were given," Dunford said. US forces were conducting normal operations in Niger again and the plan was for them to continue to train and advise local partners. Dunford said there had been no discussions about increasing US troops. A controversy has swirled for a week over how Trump has handled the task of consoling relatives of slain service members. Myeshia Johnson, the widow of the Army sergeant killed in Niger, said on Monday that Trump had "made me cry even worse" in a condolence call when he said her husband "knew what he signed up for." “We owe the families as much information as we can find out about what happened, and we owe the American people an explanation of what their men and women were doing at this particular time," Dunford said.

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

An American NGO worker was abducted on Friday night from Abalak, northeast of Niger&#39;s capital Niamey before he was taken to Mali, a security source told AFP.&nbsp;

The source, who did not wish to be named said, &quot;It is too early to determine the identity of the kidnappers, who have returned to Mali. The authorities have put the region on maximum alert&quot;.

&quot;At least two people were killed during an exchange of gunfire&quot; as the American was getting kidnapped.&nbsp;

&quot;All roads to Mali are being monitored,&quot; the source said but did not give the identity of the victims.&nbsp;

A US state department spokesperson told AFP that they knew an American had been kidnapped but refused to comment.

This is the first time a US national has been kidnapped in the area, which known for abductions and armed violence. Since 2012, neighbouring Mali has seen attacks by militants when French-led military pushed them out.&nbsp;

Niger&#39;s President Mahamadou Issoufou had said last week, &quot;To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger.&quot;

Apart from the threat from Mali, Niger also faces attacks from Boko Haram, a Nigerian militant group.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

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

An American NGO worker was abducted on Friday night from Abalak, northeast of Niger's capital Niamey before he was taken to Mali, a security source told AFP. The source, who did not wish to be named said, "It is too early to determine the identity of the kidnappers, who have returned to Mali. The authorities have put the region on maximum alert". "At least two people were killed during an exchange of gunfire" as the American was getting kidnapped. "All roads to Mali are being monitored," the source said but did not give the identity of the victims. A US state department spokesperson told AFP that they knew an American had been kidnapped but refused to comment. This is the first time a US national has been kidnapped in the area, which known for abductions and armed violence. Since 2012, neighbouring Mali has seen attacks by militants when French-led military pushed them out. Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou had said last week, "To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger." Apart from the threat from Mali, Niger also faces attacks from Boko Haram, a Nigerian militant group. (WION with inputs from AFP)

US national abducted in Niger: Security source

During military search operations carried out by Niger and Chad troops in the Diffa region of southeast Niger, 38 Boko Haram Islamist fighters have been killed this week, an official said on Friday.&nbsp; 
 
According to international news agency AFP, Niger defence ministry spokesman Moustapha Ledru informed on state television: &quot;Two soldiers were lightly wounded in the action and &quot;on the enemy side; 38 terrorists killed.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Substantial quantities of weapons and munitions were also seized, he added. 
 
The joint army operations took place &nbsp;around the villages of Gueskerou and Toumour in southeastern Niger between Monday and Wednesday, said the official.&nbsp; 
 
Villagers and NGO workers in Gueskerou, 30 kilometres from Diffa, informed that Boko Haram elements attacked the town on Wednesday night, without killing anyone. 
 
&quot;The attack nonetheless caused a psychosis in the population&quot; and &quot;the assailants torched houses and stole food and medicines after pillaging shops and a pharmacy,&quot; an NGO official told AFP. 
 
The intenrational news agency also pointed out in its report today that Boko Haram&#39;s seven-year insurgency has left at least 20,000 people dead in Nigeria and border areas of neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, and made more than 2.6 million homeless. Meanwhile, attacks in Niger&#39;s Diffa region began in February 2015. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

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

During military search operations carried out by Niger and Chad troops in the Diffa region of southeast Niger, 38 Boko Haram Islamist fighters have been killed this week, an official said on Friday. According to international news agency AFP, Niger defence ministry spokesman Moustapha Ledru informed on state television: "Two soldiers were lightly wounded in the action and "on the enemy side; 38 terrorists killed." Substantial quantities of weapons and munitions were also seized, he added. The joint army operations took place around the villages of Gueskerou and Toumour in southeastern Niger between Monday and Wednesday, said the official. Villagers and NGO workers in Gueskerou, 30 kilometres from Diffa, informed that Boko Haram elements attacked the town on Wednesday night, without killing anyone. "The attack nonetheless caused a psychosis in the population" and "the assailants torched houses and stole food and medicines after pillaging shops and a pharmacy," an NGO official told AFP. The intenrational news agency also pointed out in its report today that Boko Haram's seven-year insurgency has left at least 20,000 people dead in Nigeria and border areas of neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, and made more than 2.6 million homeless. Meanwhile, attacks in Niger's Diffa region began in February 2015. (WION with inputs from AFP)

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

The bodies of 34 migrants, including 20 children, who were abandoned by people smugglers while trying to reach neighbouring Algeria were found in the Niger desert last week, authorities said today. 
 
&quot;Thirty-four people, including five men, nine women and 20 children died trying to cross the desert,&quot; Niger`s interior ministry said in a statement. 
 
&quot;They probably died of thirst, as is often the case, and they were found near Assamaka,&quot; a security source told AFP, referring to a border post between Niger and Algeria. 
 
&quot;(The migrants) were abandoned by people smugglers,&quot; the statement added, and only two of the bodies have so far been identified -- a man and a 26-year-old woman both from Niger.&nbsp; 
 
Temperatures in the region can reach a brutal 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit), with blinding sandstorms tearing across the desert. 
 
The hostile conditions mean that only a fraction of those who die trying to cross the area are ever found. 
 
Thousands of illegal migrants have arrived in Algeria in recent years, mostly from neighbouring Mali and Niger. 
 
Libya used to play host to the majority of migrants in sub-Saharan Africa, but since that country descended into chaos following the ousting of Moamer Kadhafi, Algeria has become the main destination for the region`s migrants. 
 
Many transit through Algeria headed for Europe, but more than 7,000 migrants from Niger, mostly women and children, were returned to their home country in 2015 as part of an agreement between the two countries` governments. 
 
Europe has recently turned its attention to trying to curb the number of illegal arrivals from Africa, after a deal with Ankara in March slashed the number of people trying to cross from Turkey. 
 
More than 2,814 people have drowned trying to reach Europe since January, according to the UN refugee agency, prompting urgent efforts to tackle the problem. 
 
A new proposal mooted last week involves using &nbsp;EU funds to promote &nbsp;private investment of up to 60 billion euros ($68 billion) in countries where many migrants come from -- Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, Mali and Senegal, as well as Jordan and Lebanon. 
 
The European Commission also wants to speed up readmission deals with African countries, and with Pakistan and Afghanistan, to make it easier to send back people who do not win refugee status. 
 
The Commission is also set to unveil a plan for a &quot;blue card&quot; system for skilled migrants to come to Europe legally. 
 
The aim is to reduce the incentive for people to try to smuggle themselves into the continent on flimsy boats and put their lives at risk. 
(AFP)

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

The bodies of 34 migrants, including 20 children, who were abandoned by people smugglers while trying to reach neighbouring Algeria were found in the Niger desert last week, authorities said today. "Thirty-four people, including five men, nine women and 20 children died trying to cross the desert," Niger`s interior ministry said in a statement. "They probably died of thirst, as is often the case, and they were found near Assamaka," a security source told AFP, referring to a border post between Niger and Algeria. "(The migrants) were abandoned by people smugglers," the statement added, and only two of the bodies have so far been identified -- a man and a 26-year-old woman both from Niger. Temperatures in the region can reach a brutal 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit), with blinding sandstorms tearing across the desert. The hostile conditions mean that only a fraction of those who die trying to cross the area are ever found. Thousands of illegal migrants have arrived in Algeria in recent years, mostly from neighbouring Mali and Niger. Libya used to play host to the majority of migrants in sub-Saharan Africa, but since that country descended into chaos following the ousting of Moamer Kadhafi, Algeria has become the main destination for the region`s migrants. Many transit through Algeria headed for Europe, but more than 7,000 migrants from Niger, mostly women and children, were returned to their home country in 2015 as part of an agreement between the two countries` governments. Europe has recently turned its attention to trying to curb the number of illegal arrivals from Africa, after a deal with Ankara in March slashed the number of people trying to cross from Turkey. More than 2,814 people have drowned trying to reach Europe since January, according to the UN refugee agency, prompting urgent efforts to tackle the problem. A new proposal mooted last week involves using EU funds to promote private investment of up to 60 billion euros ($68 billion) in countries where many migrants come from -- Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, Mali and Senegal, as well as Jordan and Lebanon. The European Commission also wants to speed up readmission deals with African countries, and with Pakistan and Afghanistan, to make it easier to send back people who do not win refugee status. The Commission is also set to unveil a plan for a "blue card" system for skilled migrants to come to Europe legally. The aim is to reduce the incentive for people to try to smuggle themselves into the continent on flimsy boats and put their lives at risk. (AFP)

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

President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger called on Tuesday for France to strengthen military operations against West African Islamist militants, including Boko Haram, after its fighters carried out a deadly attack on a Nigerien town. 
 
France currently has some 3,500 troops spread across five countries - Chad, Mauritania, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso - in the region as part of a two-year-old operation to hunt down jihadists. 
 
Paris also assists West African states in the fight against the Nigeria-based Boko Haram with intelligence, logistics and training, but does not have combat troops directly involved. 
 
&quot;We want ... a strengthening of this operation across the Sahel, including to address the threats we are facing today with Boko Haram,&quot; Issoufou told reporters after a meeting with French President Fran?ois Hollande in Paris. 
 
Hollande said earlier, during the same press conference, that France would back the multinational force - that includes Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin - in its fight against Boko Haram, without giving further details. 
 
Boko Haram killed 26 Nigerien soldiers when it stormed and seized the southeastern town of Bosso on June 3. The attack, one of the deadliest by Boko Haram in Niger, spurred neighbouring Chad to send in 2,000 troops to prepare a counter-attack. 
 
&quot;We hope France will continue to support us in terms of intelligence and operational capacities to deal with this extremely dangerous threat,&quot; Issoufou said in Paris. 
 
France said in April it would increase the number of its troops in Ivory Coast to counter growing jihadist threats in the region, and could deploy them further afield if needed. 
 
But the French military, also involved in the US-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, has been overstretched since last year&#39;s IS attacks on Paris that led authorities to deploy around 10,000 troops in France.

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

President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger called on Tuesday for France to strengthen military operations against West African Islamist militants, including Boko Haram, after its fighters carried out a deadly attack on a Nigerien town. France currently has some 3,500 troops spread across five countries - Chad, Mauritania, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso - in the region as part of a two-year-old operation to hunt down jihadists. Paris also assists West African states in the fight against the Nigeria-based Boko Haram with intelligence, logistics and training, but does not have combat troops directly involved. "We want ... a strengthening of this operation across the Sahel, including to address the threats we are facing today with Boko Haram," Issoufou told reporters after a meeting with French President Fran?ois Hollande in Paris. Hollande said earlier, during the same press conference, that France would back the multinational force - that includes Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin - in its fight against Boko Haram, without giving further details. Boko Haram killed 26 Nigerien soldiers when it stormed and seized the southeastern town of Bosso on June 3. The attack, one of the deadliest by Boko Haram in Niger, spurred neighbouring Chad to send in 2,000 troops to prepare a counter-attack. "We hope France will continue to support us in terms of intelligence and operational capacities to deal with this extremely dangerous threat," Issoufou said in Paris. France said in April it would increase the number of its troops in Ivory Coast to counter growing jihadist threats in the region, and could deploy them further afield if needed. But the French military, also involved in the US-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, has been overstretched since last year's IS attacks on Paris that led authorities to deploy around 10,000 troops in France.

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. 
 
&quot;We must continue to fight, this insult must be expunged, there is nothing to be done, it must be avenged,&quot; Defence Minister Hassoumi Massoudou said Sunday. 
 
The minister was speaking to troops at a garrison at Bosso, near the Nigerian border where the deadly attack took place on Friday, according to a broadcast on state television on Monday. 
 
The bradcast said the minister visited military positions in Bosso accompanied by army chiefs and Nigerian General Lamidi Adeosun, head of the multinational force that groups soldiers from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad to fight Boko Haram. 
The minister also toured the town to view to scale of the damage caused by the Islamic insurgents, the television said. 
 
It showed images of a burnt-out military transport vehicle and a town seemingly devoid of its 20,000 residents and Nigerian refugees. 
 
&quot;It`s terrible, all of Niger is crying,&quot; said Massoudou, adding that he felt &quot;deeply wounded&quot; after visiting the site of the bloodshed. 
The attack &quot;will unfortunately be engraved on the history of our people.&quot; 
 
He urged the troops to keep their &quot;morale high&quot; as &quot;we will win this war.&quot; 
 
Twenty-four Nigerien and two Nigerian soldiers were killed in the attack by hundreds of Boko Haram assailants on a military post in Bosso, the government said in a statement Monday.&nbsp; 
 
The defence ministry earlier said that a total of 32 soldiers had been killed.&nbsp; 
 
Some 67 soldiers were injured, according to the updated statement, while 55 Boko Haram fighters were killed and &quot;many&quot; injured. &quot;On the enemy`s side, several dead and injured were taken away,&quot; the ministry said. 
 
Local resident and former MP Elhaj Aboubacar said: &quot;They drove up at twilight, shouting Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest), they fired a lot of shots and torched many places in Bosso.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We don`t know where our military went, but one thing is for sure, Boko Haram were able to do what they liked until dawn,&quot; Aboubacar said. 
 
It was one of the deadliest attacks by Boko Haram in Niger since the Islamist group began launching raids in the country in February 2015 from its stronghold in neighbouring Nigeria. 
 
Boko Haram`s seven-year insurgency has devastated infrastructure in Nigeria`s impoverished northeast and forced around 2.1 million people in Nigeria to flee their homes, according to the UN`s refugee agency. 
 
The unrest has left at least 20,000 people dead in Nigeria and made more than 2.6 million homeless. 
 
Since Friday`s attacks, thousands of residents have fled Bosso to &quot;more secure areas&quot;, a UN source said. 
 
Water, food, shelter and medical aid remain &quot;the most urgent needs&quot;, the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in Niamey. 
 
It said humanitarian aid missions to Bosso were suspended for security reasons. 
The attack comes as the multinational force prepares to launch a &quot;decisive&quot; offensive against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region.

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 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. "We must continue to fight, this insult must be expunged, there is nothing to be done, it must be avenged," Defence Minister Hassoumi Massoudou said Sunday. The minister was speaking to troops at a garrison at Bosso, near the Nigerian border where the deadly attack took place on Friday, according to a broadcast on state television on Monday. The bradcast said the minister visited military positions in Bosso accompanied by army chiefs and Nigerian General Lamidi Adeosun, head of the multinational force that groups soldiers from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad to fight Boko Haram. The minister also toured the town to view to scale of the damage caused by the Islamic insurgents, the television said. It showed images of a burnt-out military transport vehicle and a town seemingly devoid of its 20,000 residents and Nigerian refugees. "It`s terrible, all of Niger is crying," said Massoudou, adding that he felt "deeply wounded" after visiting the site of the bloodshed. The attack "will unfortunately be engraved on the history of our people." He urged the troops to keep their "morale high" as "we will win this war." Twenty-four Nigerien and two Nigerian soldiers were killed in the attack by hundreds of Boko Haram assailants on a military post in Bosso, the government said in a statement Monday. The defence ministry earlier said that a total of 32 soldiers had been killed. Some 67 soldiers were injured, according to the updated statement, while 55 Boko Haram fighters were killed and "many" injured. "On the enemy`s side, several dead and injured were taken away," the ministry said. Local resident and former MP Elhaj Aboubacar said: "They drove up at twilight, shouting Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest), they fired a lot of shots and torched many places in Bosso." "We don`t know where our military went, but one thing is for sure, Boko Haram were able to do what they liked until dawn," Aboubacar said. It was one of the deadliest attacks by Boko Haram in Niger since the Islamist group began launching raids in the country in February 2015 from its stronghold in neighbouring Nigeria. Boko Haram`s seven-year insurgency has devastated infrastructure in Nigeria`s impoverished northeast and forced around 2.1 million people in Nigeria to flee their homes, according to the UN`s refugee agency. The unrest has left at least 20,000 people dead in Nigeria and made more than 2.6 million homeless. Since Friday`s attacks, thousands of residents have fled Bosso to "more secure areas", a UN source said. Water, food, shelter and medical aid remain "the most urgent needs", the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in Niamey. It said humanitarian aid missions to Bosso were suspended for security reasons. The attack comes as the multinational force prepares to launch a "decisive" offensive against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region.

Niger vows to avenge deadly raid by Boko Haram

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