Armed Attack in Niéro: Responsibility Claimed by Al-Qaeda Affiliate

On the night of Monday to Tuesday, an armed attack struck the town of Niéro, located on the border between Mali and Mauritania. The incident was claimed by « Jamaât Nasrat al-Islam wal Muslimin, » a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

In their statement, the group clarified that the attack was not specifically aimed at the 30 Moroccan trucks loaded with fruits and vegetables heading to African countries. Instead, the target was the border post in the area.

The assailants reported taking control of three Malian security and government posts during the operation. They withdrew after fierce clashes with the Malian army, which they claimed was forced to flee the site. The attack resulted in the destruction of five armored vehicles and the capture of two motorbikes. One of the group’s fighters reportedly died in the operation.

The group also denied any involvement with the bodies shown in photos circulated by local media, asserting that the deceased were civilians killed by the Malian army.