39 civilians killed in rebel attacks

(CLO) Suspected extremists have killed 39 civilians, including women and children, in two separate attacks in the conflict-torn border region of Western Niger in recent days, Niger's Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

The attackers targeted the communities of Kokorou and Libiri, but details of the date of the massacre were not released.

Local sources said the attack in Kokorou happened late at night, while people were sleeping, the attacker used a truck to approach and then used a submachine gun and a knife to attack.

The attack in Libiri reportedly occurred during the afternoon when people were gathering at the market, the attacker attacked by throwing petrol bombs and shooting into the crowd.

Niger, along with its neighbors in West Africa's Sahel region, Mali and Burkina Faso, have been battling a growing threat from rebel groups since 2012, when al Qaeda-linked militants first overran parts of Mali.

The border area between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso is considered the "triangle of death" because of frequent attacks targeting civilians and security forces.

Hong Hanh (according to CNBC, gazette, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/niger-39-thuong-dan-bi-sat-hai-trong-cac-vu-tan-cong-cua-phien-quan-post325802.html