Deadly jihadist assault leaves 16 civilians dead in Niger

Sixteen civilians were fatally shot on Friday in the Banibangou district of western Niger, an area close to Mali where jihadist groups have been active. The deadly assault ended a period of relative calm in the region, which has been plagued by sporadic violence linked to militant organizations.

The Banibangou district lies within the Tillabéri region, situated along the border with Mali. This area has become a hotspot for clashes involving armed extremist factions, including the Islamic State in the Greater Sahel and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, an Al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the Sahel.