Two bomb attacks rock Niger

Niamey, Niger (PANA) - Two suicide bomb attacks were carried out early Thursday in Agadez and Arlit, a mining town located more than 1000km north of Niamey, Niger's capital, eyewitnesses told PANA by phone.

According to the witnesses, a car bomb exploded outside a military camp of Agadez, and the army responded automatically, triggering an exchange of fire with the attackers.

At Arlit, a car bomb also exploded inside the SOMAIR uranium mining company.

The explosions were heard up to 10 km from where they occurred.

The identity of the attackers is not yet known, but they are believed to be elements of jihadist movement MUJAO from neighboring Mali.
-0- PANA SA/JSG/JEN/SEG 23May2013