Jihadist violence in Niger has been on the rise in the first half of 2019. Militants operating in Mali — many of whom expanded their operations into eastern Burkina Faso in 2018 — are now gradually forcing their way into the country. Attacks against population centers in rural border areas, as well as against local and foreign security forces, are occurring more regularly, illustrating the critical but precarious position Niger occupies in the broader Sahara-Sahel struggle for security. Violence of this nature has occurred in the Tillaberi region of Niger (bordering Mali and housing the capital city of Niamey) for some time, though it is increasing in intensity . Back in October 2017, jihadist militants ambushed a U.S. Green Beret unit in this area, drawing attention to the existing threat in the region. And since then, things have only gotten worse.