Niger: Saudis Ambushed, Killed Near Mali Border

UNCLAS NIAMEY 001018 DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, DS/IP/AF, AND DS/TIA/ITA DEPT PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/W ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC PREL PGOV CASC SA NG SUBJECT: Niger: Saudis Ambushed, Killed Near Mali Border ¶1. (U) Summary: Unknown assailants ambushed a Saudi hunting party in western Niger near the Malian border on December 28 during early morning prayers, killing at least three and wounding three others. The Government of Niger (GON) has deplored the "barbaric act" and the Saudi Arabian Government has dispatched an aircraft to retrieve its nationals. Investigations continue. The attack took place in an area off-limits to U.S. mission personnel, a location approximately 100 km from the December 2008 kidnappings of two UN officials of Canadian nationality. End summary. Assailants Ambush Saudi Party near Mali Border -------------- - ¶2. On December 28, at approximately 5:00 a.m. near the village of Djamballa (20 km north of the regional capital of Tillaberi, 120 km northeast of Niamey),three men ambushed a group of six Saudi Arabian nationals (including one who is reported to be a prince of one of the Royal Saudi families). The assailants, armed with one AK-47 and one FM assault rifle, travelled in an SUV (possibly a Toyota Land Cruiser). The Saudis, hosted by a Malian national with his cousin, arrived from Casablanca. The Malian is a customs officer for the Government of Mali and his cousin is a student. Saudi Falconers Ambushed; 3 Killed -------------- ¶3. (U) The group, traveling in a three-car convoy, sought to proceed to Kidal, Mali for falcon hunting. In the town of Djamballa, the group stopped to pray. The three assailants ambushed the group during their prayers. The assailants demanded in Arabic that the victims put their hands up and to give them their money. An argument ensued, and the prince was shot in the left leg, which caused a severe break in the leg. One victim was then shot trying to protect the prince. The other people were lined up and shot at close range. A total of three Saudi Arabian citizens were killed and three others were injured, one seriously. (Note: Accounts vary on the exact number of Saudis killed and wounded, with other reports stating that four were killed and two wounded. End note.) GON Deplores "Barbaric Acts;" Aircraft Dispatched -------------- -------------- ¶4. (U) On GON-run television "Tele Sahel," the GON spokesperson announced that the GON "deplores these barbaric acts" and "reiterates its determination" to fight crime. According to Jedda Saudi Gazette online, Saudi officials dispatched an air ambulance to transfer the victims of the attack. The two Malians were not injured in the attack. The assailants departed the scene with the prince's duffle/personal bag. Police Investigating; Shell Casings, Money Found -------------- --- ¶5. (SBU) The National Police are investigating this case. Local police secured the scene and began processing evidence. At the preliminary stage of the investigation, police recovered 38 shell casings at the scene of the ambush and over two million CFA (approximately USD 4,400) in one of the vehicles. (Note: Current exchange rate is 1USD = 455 CFA. End note.) The Tillaberi gendarmes have detained the Malian customs officer and are questioning him. Radio France Internationale reported that local authorities claim three suspects are in detention and being questioned; this is yet uncorroborated. Comment -------------- ¶6. (U) The region in which the attack occurred has been in Mission Niamey's no-travel area since the beginning of 2009. This road is the primary route between Niamey and the Malian border, and is the same road along which two UN officials of Canadian nationality were kidnapped in December 2008. The locations of the two incidents are separated by approximately 100 km. ALLEN