Madrid: In response to the mounting security threat posed by terrorist groups in Niger, the Spanish government has announced plans to evacuate more than 70 of its citizens from the country.
The evacuation operation is scheduled to take place on Thursday and will involve a chartered flight departing from the capital city, Niamey.
Those being evacuated include diplomats, aid workers, and business people who have been residing in Niger. The decision to conduct the evacuation was made following a meeting of the Spanish government's security cabinet, which expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region.
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Niger has experienced a steady decline in security conditions over the past few years, becoming a hotbed for extremist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State.
Recent months have witnessed a surge in attacks, with one deadly incident in February resulting in the deaths of at least 71 people during an assault on a military base.
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The Spanish government's action to evacuate its citizens underscores the gravity of the security concerns faced by those in Niger. The move also serves as a stark reminder of the risks that aid workers and civilians encounter while operating in conflict zones.
The chartered flight is set to depart from Niamey on Thursday morning, carrying more than 70 Spanish citizens who seek to return to safety.
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This move highlights the growing unease surrounding the security landscape in Niger and the international community's efforts to safeguard its citizens from potential threats.