United States Department of State seal

By Gary Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The United States strongly condemned “the horrific terrorist attacks”  in the Sahel Africa nation Niger, which killed 137 civilians on Sunday. The killings represent Niger’s worst civilian massacre in recent memory, surpassing an attack by suspected militants in January that killed at least 100 villagers and another last week that killed at least 58.  A security source blamed Sunday’s attacks, which were carried out by men on motorbikes in the remote Tahoua region near the border with Mali, on the local Islamic State affiliate, according to reports.  Islamic State has claimed responsibility for previous raids against security forces and French aid workers in the former French colony.

“We are deeply concerned by the increasing violence against civilians and call for those responsible to be held accountable to the full extent of the law. The United States stands with the Nigerien people as they enter a period of mourning for the victims.  We remain committed to working together with the Government and security forces of Niger to counter violent extremism and ensure security and prosperity for all Nigeriens.”

-Ned Price,  State Department Spokesperson 

A landlocked state located in the heart of the Sahel, Niger is also being attacked by jihadists from Nigeria

AFRICAN UNION “Outraged” over Terrorist Attacks Targeting Civilians in Niger

Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday expressed his outrage and concern at the recurrence of terrorist attacks targeting civilians in Niger. 

“Condemning the latest attacks on March 21 in the Tahoua region in Niger, which resulted in the death of 137 people, the President of the Commission offers his condolences to the families of the victims,” -according to a statement.