Description: Terrorists pertaining to the local branch of the Islamic State clashed with the Nigerien military in the tri – state border area of Tillaberi, leaving more than 30 soldiers and members of the National Guard dead. The attacks were conducted in a simultaneous fashion in a region known to have been plagued by terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda. Reports from the clashes indicated that the military also confronted the terrorists in the Digga Banda neighborhood, where they were conducting attacks on a local high school killing at least two civilians.
Impact: Exploiting the discoordination and limited capacities of the junta – led governments in the Sahel, the Islamic State, Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations would continue to ramp up attacks inflicting large number of casualties. The central African region has experienced rapid escalation of terrorist threats with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger being the primary targets where the organizations were expanding their footprint and operational capabilities. The absence of a joint counter and anti – terrorism platform would further embolden terrorist organizations to increase attacks and challenge the junta – led governments in the resource rich countries in order to establish control over larger portions of territories potentially controlling key strategic points in the countries.