On 23 May 2013, two coordinated attacks perpetrated by Islamist affiliates targeted the two Niger towns of Agadez and Arlit, the first being a military base the other a French-owned and operated uranium mine.

[1] The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) later claimed responsibility, saying "We attacked Niger for its cooperation with France in the war against Sharia (Islamic law)".

Reports suggested Islamist leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar of being the "mastermind" of both attacks, supervised by his brigade the "Signatories of Blood".

In a matter of hours the fight spread throughout the base and into the streets where a civilian was killed in the cross-fire.

By late afternoon, extremist elements took refuge in the barracks' dormitory, taking five soldiers hostage.