A Niger military drone strike reportedly killed 17 civilians, including four children, in the western Tillaberi region near the Burkina Faso border last month, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The attack, which also killed three Islamist fighters, occurred in a crowded market in the village of Kokoloko, approximately 120 kilometers west of Niamey.

The Tillaberi region, bordering Burkina Faso and Mali, has long been a hotspot for jihadist attacks by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. HRW stated that the strike violated international laws of war prohibiting indiscriminate attacks and could constitute a war crime.

Witnesses reported seeing a drone fly over Kokoloko twice before dropping munitions on the market, where hundreds of people were present. In addition to civilian casualties, the strike killed three Islamist militants.

Niger’s military, led by junta leaders who seized power in 2023, continues to battle jihadist insurgents in Tillaberi despite a strong military presence. Last month, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack targeting Niamey airport, underscoring the persistent threat in the region.