Militants linked to al Qaeda attacked a group of Nigerien soldiers in the Tillaberi region in western Niger, killing at least 10 troops, according to security sources. The attack happened near the village of Garbougna, close to the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso. This tri-border area is known for frequent violence by jihadist groups connected to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Some sources said the number of dead soldiers could be higher, possibly more than a dozen or even 20. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement shared through its Sahel media wing. Government officials in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso did not immediately comment. The region has struggled with Islamist insurgencies for more than a decade, leading to thousands of deaths and forcing millions of people to leave their homes due to ongoing insecurity.

Pray for wise counsel for the authorities of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to combat terrorism. Pray for the heightened security system in the tri-border area. Pray for peace and justice to prevail in Niger and its neighboring countries (The Holy Bible, Psalm 7:10).

Pray for the perpetrators behind the attacks to be brought to justice quickly. Pray for divine protection for both the innocent civilians as well as the soldiers in Niger. (The Holy Bible, Psalm 140:1).

News Source: Reuters

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