39 Killed in Attacks in Western Niger

In recent attacks in western Niger, 39 individuals, including children, were killed in two separate incidents in the communities of Libiri and Kokorou, as reported by the country's defense ministry. The attacks occurred between December 12 and 14, amid ongoing military operations against jihadist groups in the border region with Burkina Faso. The area has long been a hotspot for violence linked to militants affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaeda. Niger's junta has dismissed more severe reports of casualties from a recent attack as 'baseless assertions,' while also suspending BBC radio for three months following its coverage of the violence. The situation underscores the ongoing security challenges and humanitarian crises in the region as civilian populations remain vulnerable to militant attacks.