ISIS attacks leave 127 dead in western Niger 

HRW stated on Wednesday that ISIS mercenaries have intensified their attacks in the Tillabéri region of western Niger since March, leaving more than 127 people dead in five separate assaults.

According to the report, the attacks took place in the Tillabéri region near the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali; an area long known for the presence of mercenaries linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda.

“Witnesses identified the assailants as members of the terrorist group based on their clothing and prior threats, while Niger’s army failed to adequately respond to local residents’ warnings and requests for protection,” the report noted.

Neither the government nor the military spokesperson has commented on the findings, and “Reuters” was unable to independently verify details of the attacks.

The surge in ISIS activity comes in the wake of a military coup in Niger in 2023.

HRW called on the Nigerien government to investigate the abuses, describing the assaults as clear war crimes, and to hold those responsible accountable. The organization said the Justice Minister had not responded to its questions regarding the report.

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ANHA