(Human Rights Watch) An apparent Nigerien military drone strike killed at least 17 civilians, including 4 children, and injured at least 13 others at a crowded market in western Niger on January 6, 2026, Human Rights Watch said today. The strike, which also killed three Islamist fighters, violated laws-of-war prohibitions against indiscriminate attacks and might amount to a war crime. The attack occurred in the village of Kokoloko in Tillabéri region, about 120 kilometers west of the capital, Niamey, and less than 3 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso. Residents said the Islamic State in the Sahel (IS Sahel), an Islamist armed group, has been active in Kokoloko and surrounding areas for several years. Islamist armed groups have carried out attacks against the military and civilians in Niger since 2019. “The Nigerien military attack that killed three Islamist fighters also killed and injured a large number of civilians in a market in violation of the laws of war,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch “The Nigerien authorities should ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into this attack, appropriately prosecute those responsible, and adequately compensate victims and their families.”
Niger: Military Drone Strike Kills 17 Civilians | Human Rights Watch
