ATTACK ON GROUP OF SAUDI TOURISTS LEAVES 4 DEAD

Unidentified gunmen attacked a group of six Saudi tourists and two Malian guides travelling by car from Niamey to Mali's Gao region at dawn on 28 December 2009. The incident occurred near Djambala, which is located in the western Tillaberi region along the border with Mali. The group had apparently stopped to conduct morning prayers. Three of the Saudis were killed during the attack, and one later died from his injuries. All other members of the party sustained injuries. Three suspects have been detained for the attack, which is believed to have been a robbery attempt.