The Nigerien army has conducted raids on informal mining sites controlled by jihadists in the country’s western region near the Burkina Faso border, killing 13 insurgents and arresting one, according to a military statement.
The operation, carried out last week in the Tagueye locality, also led to the seizure of materials used to make improvised explosive devices.
The army said the operation aimed to cut off financial sources fueling terrorist activities.
Niger, like Mali and Burkina Faso, continues to grapple with a violent insurgency by groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and Islamic State.
Although the raids may have disrupted illegal gold mining operations, a regional security expert noted that sustained efforts are needed to effectively weaken insurgent financing.
The ongoing conflict has further strained Niger’s economy, with the UN estimating that 4.5 million people, or 17% of the population, required humanitarian aid in 2024.
