Moscow strongly condemns the inhumane terrorist actions of extremists in Niger, Russian Foreign Ministry official representative Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday.
"Moscow strongly condemns the inhuman acts of extremists. We support the determination of that country's leadership to take all necessary measures to ensure security, detain and bring to justice those responsible for the crimes committed," she said.
The diplomat stressed that the upsurge of terrorist activity in Niger coincided with the important period of parliamentary and presidential elections for the country. "We are confident that despite the obstacles posed by extremists, Nigerian society will continue on the path of sustainable democratic development," she said, adding that Russia expresses its condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.
On March 21, armed militants on motorcycles attacked several villages in northwestern Niger, shooting indiscriminately at people. Three villages near the border with Mali were attacked.
Islamists from the extremist terrorist group Islamic State in West Africa, an affiliate of the Islamic State (IS, banned in the Russian Federation), operate in the western regions of Niger adjacent to Mali and Burkina Faso.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS