137 People Killed in Niger Attack by Militants

In Niger, at least 137 people have been killed in an attack by militants in the Tahoua region, located near the border with Mali. This information was reported by RIA Novosti, citing the country's government. It is noted that the assailants, riding motorcycles, conducted raids in several villages.

The Nigerien authorities have declared a three-day national mourning period starting from March 23.

The Tahoua region is one of the areas in the country where the militants of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and other terrorist groups are most active.

Niger is located in the African Sahel region, which is one of the most problematic areas on the continent due to terrorism and illegal migration. Since 2014, France has been conducting anti-terrorism operations called 'Barkhane' in the region, supported by the G5 Sahel, which includes Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Chad.