"Sabotage" Operation Targets Oil Pipelines in Niger

Nigerien authorities reported on Friday that a "sabotage" operation occurred, for which a rebel movement claimed responsibility, affecting part of a pipeline that transports crude oil to Benin. The region's governor stated, "We have gathered information and evidence about the suspected perpetrators, and all those who participated in this will be arrested and tried according to their terrorist actions." The National Liberation Front (a rebel movement fighting for the release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted during a coup in July 2023 and remains detained) announced responsibility for an attack that led to a "significant" section of the pipeline transporting crude oil to Benin being rendered inoperable. The Front was established in August 2023 following military forces' ousting of President Bazoum on July 26 and his subsequent detention. The Front's leader, Mahmoud Salah, later declared that he took up arms to demand the "release" of the ousted president and threatened to "blow up facilities," especially "oil facilities."