Drones and AI pose challenges for counter-terrorism efforts in Sahel region

NIAMEY, NIGER - A brazen attack on Niamey’s international airport and nearby military airbase occurred overnight between January 28 and 29. The assault involved drones carrying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and was claimed by ISIL (ISIS) Sahel Province, also known as ISSP.

According to analysts, the attack demonstrates ISSP’s growing confidence in using advanced technology to target army positions. The group has breached military drone hangars using RPGs and mortars, damaging several aircraft and a civilian plane. ISSP typically limits its attacks to rural areas, but this incident suggests a refinement of their tactics.

ISSP’s use of drones is part of a region-wide trend, with analysts noting that the group’s affiliates have used explosives-laden drones in rural attacks in Nigeria. However, this was the first time an ISIL affiliate has used drones in Niger.

The attack comes as several armed groups operating across the Sahel region expand their areas of operation and adopt advanced technology. ISSP is one of the most prolific drone users, with cells in multiple countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin-Nigeria border.

Military-ruled Niger has seen a rise in armed attacks since July 2023, when the army seized power and expelled hundreds of French and US troops. Neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso are also facing similar violence as several armed groups lay claim to swaths of territory across their borders.

The Nigerien government and Russia’s Africa Corps have stated that they repelled the assault, with 20 attackers killed and four soldiers wounded. The use of drones by armed groups has been increasing, providing them with a “low-cost, high-impact” capability that allows for real-time intelligence gathering and minimizes the need for human casualties.

Analysts note that ISSP’s growing confidence in using advanced technology is a concerning trend in the Sahel crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera