Thread by @MENASTREAM

#Niger: This is by far the deadliest attack in #Torodi in southwestern #Tillaberi since the #Sahel insurgency spread to the area in late 2017.

https://twitter.com/amhauchard/status/1421980048014417927?s=20

#Niger: This specific area has been largely overlooked in the context of the broader #Sahel conflict and overshadowed by the #ISGS insurgency in northern #Tillaberi.

#Niger: The double-tap ambush took place near Boni, where a key Operation Saki 2 border outpost is located. #JNIM-affiliated fighters are the likely perpetrators, notably under the command of Abu Hanifa, a lieutenant of #KatibaMacina's Amadou Kouffa.

#Niger: The attack came in the wake the two-week joint operation 'Taanli' in June between Burkinabe and Nigerien forces along the shared border.

https://twitter.com/MENASTREAM/status/1406672190586556416?s=20

#Niger: Reports on the outcome of the operation were not very detailed, but it should be emphasized that the Nigeriens mainly tampered with militant logistics while the Burkinabes were responsible for the bulk of the human losses in militant ranks.

https://twitter.com/MENASTREAM/status/1408775124971573253?s=20

#Niger: While #JNIM carried out numerous attacks along the Tera-Torodi-Tamou axis, its posture was generally defensive and focused more on entrenchment, subjugation of the local population, and control of artisanal gold mines.

#Niger: The attack also came after a reported reunion of #JNIM units operating in #Yagha and #Komondjari (in #BurkinaFaso) and in #Torodi (Niger).

#Niger: It was probably in preparation for the attack, which is significant given the high casualty toll and that it targeted a military mission and position of strategic importance.

#Niger: As expected, ambush claimed in an unofficial #JNIM video and large graphic photoset, question remains whether JNIM's Al-Zallaqa will follow up

https://twitter.com/ocisse691/status/1422296645237186569?s=20