Niger receives heavy weapons, armored vehicles from Egypt

WORLD, July 08 (YPA) – Niger on Friday received heavy weapons and armoured vehicles provided by Egypt to help the impoverished coastal country fight “groups” launching attacks in the east and west of the country, the country defence ministry said.

In particular, the Niger military authorities in Niamey received 30 BRDM-2 armoured (reconnaissance) vehicles, about twenty mortar shells, a 122mm cannon, more than two thousand automatic pistols and an IK-47 assault rifle, as well as ammunition.

Niger Defence Minister Alkassoum Indatou praised Egypt, which “continues to show solidarity” with Niger “in a very difficult security context” in the Sahel region.

During a ceremony attended by the Egyptian ambassador to Niger, Indatou noted that Egypt  also trains special forces of the Niger army.

E.M