Battle of Chinagodrar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Chinagodrar |
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| Part of Insurgency in the Sahel (Jihadist insurgency in Niger) | |||||||
.jpg) IS-GS militants in the Chinagodar camp |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Niger France United States |
 Islamic State in the Greater Sahara |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
 89+ killed, 6 injured |
77 killed |
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On January 9, 2020, a large group of fighters from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (IS-GS) attacked a military base. This base was located in Chinagodrar, Niger, in the Tillabéri Region. The attack happened about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the border with Mali. It was also about 209 kilometers (130 miles) north of Niamey, Niger's capital city.
This attack was very serious. At least 89 Nigerien soldiers died. Six more soldiers were injured. This made it the worst attack on the army since a conflict began in the area. The government of Niger reported that 77 IS-GS fighters were also killed.
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What Led to the Battle?
Since 2015, Niger has faced an ongoing conflict. This conflict is called a Jihadist insurgency. It involves armed groups in the western part of the country. These groups often come from neighboring Mali. The attack in Chinagodrar followed two other similar attacks in Niger. These happened on December 10 and December 25, 2019.
How the Attack Happened
The IS-GS fighters attacked the army post from two different directions. From the west, several vehicles with heavy weapons arrived. These vehicles came from Akabar, a place in Mali. From the east, many men on motorcycles came from the Ikrafane forest in Niger.
Before the attack, the IS-GS fighters tried to stop communication. They shelled the village of Dareydey. This made the mobile phone network stop working. However, the Nigerien soldiers still managed to call for help using their radios.
About 20 minutes later, air support arrived. A French Mirage 2000D jet flew over. This show of force made the IS-GS fighters retreat. After that, American Reaper drones launched two strikes. These strikes targeted the fighters as they were leaving.
The battle resulted in many deaths. At least 89 Nigerien soldiers lost their lives. Some were buried right away in Chinagodrar. Also, 77 IS-GS fighters were killed during the attack.
What Happened After the Battle?
The government of Niger announced three days of national mourning. This was to honor the soldiers who died. Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou made a change in the army leadership. He removed General Ahmed Mohamed, the chief of the Nigerien Army. Major General Salifou Modi took his place.
After the battle, many people left Chinagodrar. Several hundred residents fled to Andéramboukane, a town in Mali. Most of these people were refugees from Mali. They had moved to Chinagodrar after a conflict in 2012.
Images for kids
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IS-GS militants in the Chinagodar camp
