[2] The MNJ's first attack on February 8 was in the town of Iferouane, which solidified the group's existence.

[3] The MNJ stated that the attack was a response to Nigerien President Mamadou Tandja's statements denying the existence of a Tuareg rebellion in the north.

[3] Fifteen Nigerien soldiers were killed in the attack, and seventy-two were taken hostage, forty-three of whom were injured.

[3] A captured Nigerien officer then led MNJ fighters to the grave of the three old men immediately following the attack.

[3][4] Following the attack, the MNJ engaged in talks with the Red Cross in returning the injured Nigerien soldiers.