Attacks in Niger Underline a Spread of Islamist Extremist Groups in West Africa

Islamist militants set off two suicide bombings in Niger Thursday.

One targeted a uranium mine run by a French company.

The other hit a military base.

About 20 people were killed in addition to the bombers.

And Friday, French special forces helped Niger’s military secure the military base, where it turns out two militants were still hiding in a dormitory.

They were shot dead in the operation.

Thomas Fessy is the BBC’s West Africa Correspondent, based in Dakar, Senegal.

He says the attacks were most likely a spill-over from the conflict in neighboring Mali.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!