VZCZCXRO7409
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHNM #1018 3631818
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 291818Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5545
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 1717

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