Diffa, Niger – Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants launched an overnight attack on a military base in Diffa, forcing security forces to retreat.
During the assault, militants briefly entered a civilian neighborhood, local sources confirmed.
The attack began around midnight on February 14–15, as militants overpowered troops using automatic weapons.
Witnesses stated soldiers abandoned their post, enabling ISWAP to infiltrate the densely populated Festival Quarter.
Following the retreat, militants occupied the civilian area before withdrawing by dawn.
Authorities have yet to release casualty figures, but residents reported widespread panic during the incursion.
Security forces are now reinforcing positions across Diffa.
Residents reported hearing intense gunfire during the attack, which caused panic among civilians in the area.
The militants allegedly looted supplies from the military post before withdrawing from the district.
Images purportedly showing the stolen items have since surfaced on social media, though these have yet to be officially verified.
Nigerien authorities have declined to release official statements about casualties or infrastructure damage following Tuesday’s assault.
Meanwhile, the attack exposes worsening security gaps in southeastern Niger, where ISWAP militants routinely exploit porous borders near Lake Chad.
This development confirms extremist groups retain operational capacity despite coordinated counterterrorism efforts by national and regional security forces.
Diffa’s strategic border location continues enabling militant activity, with Tuesday’s strike marking its third major incident this month.
While no group has claimed responsibility, analysts attribute the attack to ISWAP based on their trademark targeting of mixed civilian-military zones.
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