Battle of Tezirzaït (2008)

On June 27, 2008, Nigerien forces raided a base of the Niger Movement for Justice in Tezirzaït, Niger, killing the MNJ's vice-president.

Battle of Tezirzaït (2008)
Part of the Tuareg rebellion (2007–09)
Date June 27, 2008 Location Tezirzaït, Niger Result Nigerien victory
Belligerents
Niger	Niger Movement for Justice
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Acharif Ag Mohammed El Moctar †
Casualties and losses
26 killed 4 vehicles 1 MiG helicopter	Per MNJ: 3 killed, 4 injured POWs Per Niger: 17 killed, 3 vehicles captured

Background

In February and March 2008, Nigerien forces went on the offensive against Tuareg rebels of the Niger Movement for Justice after rebel incursions into the Aïr Mountains subsided. On June 22, 2008, the MNJ attacked the Areva mining company on the outskirts of Arlit, kidnapping five people including four European nationals. The hostages were eventually released in Agadez on June 25.

Battle

The Nigerien army attacked an MNJ base in Tezirzaït on June 27, 2008. The base consisted of a well and the ruins of a nearby school, and was quickly taken by Nigerien forces with tanks, trucks, and helicopters. The Nigerien ministry of defense stated that seventeen MNJ rebels and three vehicles were destroyed, including MNJ vice-president Acharif Ag Mohamed El Moctar. The MNJ claimed that they had only lost three fighters, and that four injured fighters were taken prisoner. The MNJ claimed the deaths of twenty-six Nigerien soldiers, and the loss of a MiG helicopter. They also claimed that Moctar was initially captured alive with his leg torn to shreds, and that the Nigerien army executed him.