COUNTERTERRORISM 

Algeria firmly condemns terrorist act targeting defenseless civilians in Niger

ALGIERS- Algeria has firmly condemned the terrorist aggression which targeted Sunday the village of Tomour, in the region of Diffa, south-east of Niger, leaving several people dead and injured among the defenseless civilians, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday in a statement.

"In these circumstances, Algeria extends its deep condolences to the grief-stricken families," said the source, adding that it renews "its support and solidarity with Niger's State and people."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed also "its determination to continue its support to the fight against terrorism, and regional and international efforts for the eradication of this scourge, a negation of human values."

The attack, claimed by the terrorist group "Boko Haram," left 28 people dead, according to a communiqué of Niger's government, which declared a three-day national mourning.

"During the night of 12 to 13 December, the village of Tomour (75-km east of Diffa) was subjected to an armed attack, which targeted civilian populations and left 28 people dead, 10 of whom by bullets, 14 by fire and four by drowning," concluded the source.