Egypt has condemned a terrorist attack on a mosque in southwestern Niger in which suspected militants from the “Islamic State” militia in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) killed worshippers, according to Niger’s Interior Ministry and a statement released by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“Egypt condemns the brutal terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in southwestern Niger, resulting in the death and injury of dozens of victims,” the Egyptian statement said.
The attack occurred around 2 p.m. local time on Saturday while Muslim worshippers were performing Friday prayers, according to the Nigerien Interior Ministry. “Around 2 p.m., while Muslim worshippers were performing Friday prayers, these heavily armed terrorists surrounded the mosque to carry out their massacre of rare cruelty,” the ministry said in a statement. The gunmen also reportedly set fire to a market and houses before retreating.
The death toll from the attack stood at 44 on Saturday, with 13 people injured, four of them seriously, Nigerien authorities said.
Egypt conveyed its condolences to the government and people of Niger, and to the families of the victims, wishing a swift recovery to those injured. “Egypt, government and people, expresses its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of the Republic of Niger, and to the families of the victims of this heinous terrorist act, wishing a speedy recovery to all the injured,” the Egyptian statement read.
The Egyptian Ministry reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Niger’s efforts to combat terrorism. “Egypt affirms its full solidarity with the sisterly Republic of Niger and its support for all its efforts in combating terrorism and achieving security and stability, denouncing all acts that target places of worship and holy sites.”
Niger’s military-led transitional government has declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the attack. More than 99% of Niger’s approximately 28 million inhabitants are Muslim.
The attack took place two days after Niger’s army killed 45 ISGS members.
