Niger says Chadian drone strike killed two civilians

Niger's military-led government accused Chad on Monday of carrying out a drone strike that it said killed two civilians in the Emi Lulu area of the Salvador Pass early Saturday.

Niamey said the drone was launched from Chad, wounded others and damaged vehicles. It alleged the attack was conducted “with the support of a foreign power, France,” and said it held Chad fully responsible.

Niger called the alleged strike an act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty. It demanded an immediate end to hostile actions, compensation for the damage and summoned Chad's ambassador.

The Salvador Pass is in a remote mining region near the borders with Algeria and Libya, on a route used for smuggling and militant activity. In September, Niger accused Chad of involvement in a foiled mutiny and alleged that France was backing efforts to destabilise the military government.