Deadly Ambush on Red Cross Convoy in Diffa Region Leaves Nine Dead

By: Zagazola Makama

MAÏNÉ SOROA, DIFFA— On August 15, 2024, a brutal ambush took place in the Diffa region, targeting a Red Cross convoy accompanied by the army. The attack, which occurred in Maïné Soroa, involved suspected ISWAP terrorists who employed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and automatic weapons to strike the convoy.

The ambush, which took place at approximately 10:30 AM, resulted in the tragic deaths of one soldier and eight Red Cross members. The convoy was en route from Diffa town to Maïné Soroa when it came under fire from the attackers. The terrorists also killed four civilians and seized one of the civilian vehicles from the convoy.

In immediate response to the attack, ground and air forces were deployed to pursue the assailants. The terrorists eventually abandoned the stolen vehicle, setting it ablaze before fleeing to an undisclosed location.

ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) has since claimed responsibility for the ambush, confirming the deaths of one soldier and eight Red Cross staff members.

This attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in the Diffa region, where humanitarian efforts are increasingly being targeted by extremist groups. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has yet to issue a statement, but the loss of its staff marks a significant blow to humanitarian operations in the area.