Airstrike Kills Dozens Near Weekly Market in Western Niger

At least 30 to 40 civilians were killed in a Nigerien airstrike near the weekly market in Injar, located in the Tillaberi region bordering Mali and Burkina Faso, an area known for Islamist militant activity. The airstrike, intended to target jihadist groups linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda, mistakenly struck civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, causing widespread outrage and criticism of Niger's military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. Despite increased military operations following the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, militant attacks and counterinsurgency efforts have resulted in significant civilian casualties, highlighting the authorities' challenges in protecting the population. Local authorities had reportedly tried to close the market due to suspicions that militants were being supplied there, but residents ignored the order. The incident has fueled discontent with Niger's military rulers, who face scrutiny over the accuracy of their intelligence and the collateral damage caused by their air operations. Conflict monitoring groups report that drone strikes in the Tillaberi region have killed over 600 civilians between mid-2023 and late 2024, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian toll of the conflict.