ASSESSMENTS

Niger's Growing Jihadist Problem

Jun 7, 2013 | 10:01 GMT

Niger's Growing Jihadist Problem
A Nigerien soldier walks near a piece of wreckage from the May 23 attack on an army base in Agadez.

(BOUREIMA HAMA/AFP/Getty Images)

Summary

Recent attacks in Niger show that the country has become more vulnerable to jihadist activity originating in several neighboring countries. Although Niger traditionally has had conflicts with Tuareg tribes in the north and several foreign nationals have been kidnapped within its territory, current regional developments are fueling more jihadist activity in the country. The role of Nigerien servicemen in security operations in northern Mali, along with the presence of a few foreign assets that are softer targets than military assets in Mali, make Niger a beneficial area of operations for jihadists in the Sahel.

The international intervention in Mali is one factor that has opened Niger up to more militant attacks....

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