Jihadists suspected in Swiss woman’s kidnapping in Niger

Armed militants likely linked to the Islamic State group abducted a 67-year-old Swiss woman in the Nigerien city of Agadez on April 13, according to analysts cited by AFP. The kidnapping follows a pattern of recent abductions in the Sahel and reflects growing insecurity in the region after the U.S. military withdrawal last year.

Though no group has claimed responsibility, experts say the method mirrors previous abductions attributed to Islamic State in the Sahel. Claudia, the victim, was taken days after similar incidents, including the January kidnapping of an Austrian woman and four Moroccan truck drivers. Analysts believe local intermediaries are often used to abduct foreigners, who are then transferred to terrorist groups.

Islamic State’s increasing role in kidnappings marks a shift, as hostage-taking was previously dominated by Al-Qaeda’s Sahel affiliate, JNIM. Observers warn that the lack of aerial surveillance has emboldened militant activity in the region, further straining Niger’s already fragile security apparatus.