ICRC Denies ISWAP Claim on Deadly Ambush in Diffa Region, Refutes Death of 9 Staff Members

By: Zagazola Makama

MAÏNÉ SOROA, DIFFA :The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has denied claims made by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) that the group ambushed and killed nine of its officials in Maïné Soroa, located in the Diffa region of Niger Republic on August 15, 2024.

ISWAP had previously reported on its official channel that it had targeted a Red Cross convoy, which was accompanied by the army, using automatic weapons and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The group claimed the attack resulted in the deaths of one soldier and eight Red Cross staff members.

However, an ICRC senior official has clarified that the individuals who were killed in the attack were not ICRC staff members but rather a mix of private workers and public government officials from Niger Republic. The official emphasized that no ICRC vehicles or personnel were involved in the incident.

“The attack did occur, but none of our staff was involved. No ICRC vehicle or staff was attacked in Niger. This claim by ISWAP is false and misleading. Please disregard it,” the ICRC source stated, firmly debunking the terrorist group's claims.

The ICRC’s statement underscores the ongoing challenges of misinformation in conflict zones, where humanitarian organizations are often targeted by false narratives. The organization continues to operate in the region, providing essential aid despite the security risks.