Niger security forces suffer 57 deaths in ISIS-linked attacks

At least 57 members of Niger's security forces, including soldiers and gendarmerie, were killed in two separate attacks attributed to the Islamic State in the Sahel (ISGS), according to the Niger Ministry of Defense.

The first attack occurred at the Dambagu base in the Tahoua governorate, located approximately 450 kilometers from the capital, Niamey, near the border with Mali. This incident resulted in 38 military deaths, and several soldiers remain missing. A second attack in Ambala-Filigé, roughly 250 kilometers from Niamey, killed 19 gendarmes.

Since seizing power in July 2023, the ruling military junta has struggled to suppress jihadist insurgencies despite promises to restore security and national sovereignty. These heavy losses have reportedly caused significant discontent within the military ranks, which was previously cited as a factor in a brief mutiny in August.