- Bandit
In an attack near Arlit in the Agadez region of Niger, eight soldiers and one civilian were injured by heavily armed bandits, according to the Niger Ministry of Defence. The assailants targeted a military escort on the Arlit-Tabarakat road, which leads to a gold-mining site near the Algerian border. The Niger army escorts convoys in this area to protect them from bandits who target gold miners. The Ministry of Defence reported that ten assailants were killed, and one was captured. However, the Patriotic Liberation Forces (FPL), a rebel group, provided conflicting figures, claiming that 27 assailants were killed and 9 wounded, while they themselves suffered casualties as well. The FPL, originally formed against President Bazoum's regime, now opposes General Tiani, who is currently in power. The group denies targeting the defense and security forces, calling on them to end General Tiani's rule to avoid further suffering for the people. The FPL, led by Mahamoud Sallah, denies receiving funding from Libya or any other external source and claims to act independently. Relations between Sallah and President Bazoum have been tumultuous, with Sallah previously calling for Bazoum's overthrow. Despite suspicions, Sallah maintains that the attack was not orchestrated by external actors, including France or Libyan tribes.
Update:
On February 7, there was an attack targeting a convoy of defense and security forces (FDS) and gold miners on the Arlit-Tabarkat axis in the Agadez region of the country. The ambush resulted in the neutralization of ten armed bandits, the capture of another, and the recovery of military equipment and ammunition. Nine individuals were injured, including eight soldiers and one civilian.
The attack occurred around 1 p.m. and was carried out by heavily armed individuals from Libya. Despite the ambush, the FDS units, part of operation "GARKOUA," bravely contained and repulsed the attackers, causing heavy losses to the enemy.
On the friendly side, nine individuals were injured, and they were promptly evacuated for medical care. On the enemy side, ten bandits were neutralized, one was captured, and several weapons and vehicles were seized, including communication equipment and a large quantity of ammunition.
In addition, two pickup vehicles carrying fuel were seized later on the same day near Tabarkat after a brief chase.
The success of the operation was celebrated by the local population, who welcomed the returning soldiers with admiration and jubilation, recognizing the victory of the FDS over the bandits that have been causing trouble in the Agadez region, particularly targeting convoys and gold mining sites.