Nigerien forces in coordination with troops deployed to the France-led Operation Barkhane killed at least 120 terrorists in western Niger. The joint operation further recovered bomb-making equipment and vehicles from the terrorists.
A statement issued by the Nigerien military noted that ten motorcycles and various equipment used for the production of improvised explosive devices and for surveillance were seized and destroyed.
Barkhane is already building command coordination with Sahel Coalition partner forces, setting up dedicated coordination mechanisms in Niger’s capital Niamey and Chad’s capital N’Djamena, where Barkhane is headquartered.
France has been increasing its presence in Africa’s Sahel region that has been marred violence from both Al Qaeda and ISIS militants seeking dominance over each other. Troops from Operation Barkhane and the regional G5 Sahel Joint Force (FCG5S) operating under joint command will focus on the Mali-Burkina Faso-Niger tri-border zone, targeting Islamic State as a priority.
