A patrol of Niger’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS), including elements of the Special Action and Rapid Intervention Group (GARSI), came under a deadly ambush by militants of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) near Djamangou, in the Tamou municipality of the Tillabéri region, on Sunday.
Security sources said the ambush, which occurred on Dec. 15, began with the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) as the patrol passed, followed by sustained gunfire from the assailants.
The attack resulted in multiple casualties among the FDS, with several soldiers reported dead or injured. Those injured were evacuated to Niamey for medical attention via two helicopters.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing helicopters flying from the Say area to Niamey around 5 p.m. on Sunday, carrying the wounded personnel.
The Tillabéri region has seen a rise in militant activity linked to JNIM and other armed groups, with recent attacks targeting security forces and local communities.
