This past week’s military takeover in Niger completed a domino chain of countries ruled by leaders who seized power by force, fueling instability and presenting a conundrum for the United States.
Tag: Sahel (Africa)
West African Commandos Train to Battle Terrorists by Land and Sea
As terrorists move south through the Sahel, the Pentagon’s annual Flintlock exercise reinforced the rule of law in a region roiled by coups.
French Soldiers Quit Mali After 9 Years, Billions Spent and Many Lives Lost
The last unit of the French military mission, Operation Barkhane, crossed into neighboring Niger, after a major fallout with Malian authorities.
Al-Zawahri’s Death Puts the Focus Back on Al Qaeda
The terrorist network has lost eight of its top leaders in recent years. But it has more total fighters than it did on Sept. 11, 2001.
Western Officials Condemn Reports of ‘Massacre’ by Military in Central Mali
The State Department and the French foreign ministry said they were alarmed at reports of deaths caused by the Malian armed forces and their allies — Russian mercenaries with the Wagner Group.
France and Allies to Begin Withdrawal From Mali
The military campaign was supposed to last only a few weeks, but French soldiers have been fighting insurgents in the African country for a decade.
Death of Jihadist Behind Attack on U.S. Soldiers Is Latest Blow for Militants
With France’s killing of Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahraoui, experts say the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara has suffered a big loss, but caution against declaring victory.
In Bid to Boost Its Profile, ISIS Turns to Africa’s Militants
Violence by Islamist extremists in Africa reached a record high last year. Now, the Islamic State is using those attacks to project an image of strength.
137 People Killed in Niger in Series of Attacks on Villages Along Mali Border
Gunmen on motorcycles struck in coordinated raids on villages on Sunday in southwestern Niger, a country being ravaged by Islamist violence.
100 Civilians Are Reported Dead After Attacks in Niger
Gunmen were described as having singled out men and boys in two villages in a region under siege by militants.