Foreign-Backed Mercenaries Behind Deadly Agadez Attack, Niger Army Says

The Nigerien army has accused foreign powers of orchestrating a deadly assault on its forces in the northern Agadez region, alleging that the attackers were mercenaries recruited from Libya and paid 500,000 CFA francs each.

According to the army’s weekly operations bulletin released Monday, September 8, the attack occurred on September 2 in Abalama, targeting both a patrol and a guard post. Armed assailants in four vehicles opened fire, leaving two soldiers dead and four others wounded.

In the ensuing clashes, two of the attackers were killed while seven others were captured, due to intelligence provided by residents. Military forces seized a cache of heavy weaponry, assault rifles, ammunition, communications gear, and a vehicle from the assailants. The seized equipment was presented to regional authorities in Agadez on September 4.

The army claims the attack was “planned from Libya” and financed by a foreign power, though it did not name the state alleged to be behind the operation. While a previously little-known group has claimed responsibility, authorities maintain the assault bore the marks of external manipulation, Airinfoagadez reported.

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