Niger: 41 Soldiers Killed in IS Assault

A deadly attack by suspected Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) fighters on a military outpost in Eknewan, Niger, resulted in the deaths of 41 Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) personnel early Saturday, MSN reported.

The nearly three-hour assault marked a new threat with the use of kamikaze drones, which played a key role in breaching defenses and causing heavy casualties, including the base’s commanding officer.

The Eknewan base housed Special Forces and National Guard units, though only FAN casualties were officially reported. Thirty bodies were transported to Télemces and then to Tahoua for burial, while 11 unidentifiable remains were buried onsite.

This attack follows a similar raid in September 2024 that killed 38 soldiers, raising concerns about military preparedness. Intelligence sources revealed the garrison received a threat warning ten days prior, but no reinforcements were made.

Niger’s drone surveillance capabilities have declined since July 2023, with the Tahoua drone base ceasing operations and drones redeployed to Niamey for VIP protection.