Over 70 Armed Assailants Killed in Military Operation in Dioundiou, Niger Republic
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 73 suspected armed insurgents were killed on Tuesday during a major military operation by Nigerien Defence and Security Forces in Dioundiou, Dosso Region, in the southwestern part of the country.
According to l sources, the coordinated action was launched at dawn following reports of suspicious movement by armed men on motorcycles in the area on the previous day.
The operation, conducted under the framework of Opération Damissa, reportedly involved ground troops and two military drones, including a combat drone.
Sources said precision airstrikes were carried out on two separate enemy positions between 6:50 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., resulting in heavy casualties among the assailants. Some of the surviving fighters reportedly attempted to flee towards the Nigerian border.
Preliminary figures indicate that 73 suspected terrorists were neutralised, with several weapons and equipment destroyed. On the side of the Nigerien military, two soldiers were reported killed, while seven others sustained injuries.
The Dioundiou action came barely 24 hours after a similar engagement in Namaro, Tillabéri Region.
