Niger orders troops to maximum readiness due to increased threat of attack

(Patria) - The junta in Niger has ordered its armed forces to be on maximum alert,
citing an increased threat of attack, according to an internal document issued on Friday by its Chief of Defence, which a security source in the country confirmed as authentic.

The document, published online on Saturday, states that the order for maximum readiness will enable the forces to respond adequately in the event of any attack and to "avoid general surprise", Reuters reported. "Threats of aggression against the national territory are increasingly felt," it states.

The main West African bloc ECOWAS is trying to negotiate with the leaders of the July 26 coup, but has said it is prepared to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail. On Friday, the bloc downplayed this threat and said it was "determined to withdraw in order to adapt to diplomatic efforts", although intervention remained one of the options.

"To be clear, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger, nor is there a plan, as stated, to invade the country," said ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray.