Niger attacks: Islamist insurgents execute civilians and torch homes, HRW warns

Human Rights Watch has documented a series of brutal attacks by Islamist insurgents in Niger’s Tillabéri region, where nearly 130 civilians were summarily executed since March.

In June, more than 70 worshippers were shot dead during prayers at a mosque in western Tillabéri, marking the deadliest single assault. Survivors described bodies piled together inside the place of worship.

Five men and two children were killed in May when fighters attacked the Dani Fari area, setting fire to over a dozen homes. Witnesses reported bodies riddled with bullets, often struck in the back and head, and criticised the army for failing to respond to warnings.

Rising Tide of Violence

Since the military coup in 2023, Niger has seen about 1,600 civilian deaths at the hands of Islamic State fighters, according to HRW citing ACLED data. Jihadist groups have also destroyed schools and religious sites, imposing strict controls based on their extremist interpretation of Islam.

Experts say the attacks undermine the junta’s pledge to curb the insurgency. Niger has allied with Burkina Faso and Mali, distancing itself from Western partners and seeking support from Russia and Turkey, but violence persists.

Islamist insurgents in western Niger are systematically targeting civilians, executing worshippers and burning homes, Human Rights Watch warns.

This topic was reported by BBC.

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