Niger accuses Chad of drone attack that killed two civilians

As their relations continue to deteriorate, Niger's military government has accused Chad of carrying out a deadly drone strike in which two civilians were killed and others wounded. In a statement by the authorities read on national television, it said it summoned the Chadian ambassador following the incident. Niamey says the attack hit the Salvador Pass early on Saturday in the mountainous Emilulu area of northern Niger. The pass is located in a remote mining region near the borders with Algeria and Libya and is a key route for smuggling and militant activity. Niger described the strike as an act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty, accusing Chad of supporting mercenaries and targeting civilians and strategic infrastructure. Niamey, which has severed ties with its former colonial ruler France, also claims the attack was conducted with the support of Paris. It It says it will refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council.