Austrian woman kidnapped by unknown assailants in Niger
Getty ImagesThe Austrian foreign ministry says a female citizen has been taken by unknown assailants in the military-run West African country, Niger.
It confirmed the incident to the AFP news agency and said they were aware of the "possible kidnapping of an Austrian woman" in Agadez which is 900km (559 miles) from the capital, Niamey.
The woman was reportedly forced into a 4x4 vehicle by unidentified individuals in Fada district, Agadez, on the edge of the Sahara Desert, reported Reuters news agency.
The victim, named Eva Gretzmacher, is a development worker in her mid-70s and had lived in Niger for more than two decades, according to local media site, Air Info Agadez.
Niger has not yet commented on the incident.
Air Info reported that kidnappers showed up at Ms Gretzmacher's house with a gun and forced their way in. They did not take anything else, reports said.
Ms Gretzmacher is said to have run projects in the areas of education, health, women's empowerment and culture.
The Austrian foreign ministry said they were working with the EU delegation and authorities on the ground.
Niger has been battling an Islamist insurgency for years.
The military junta is under pressure for failing to curb militant attacks, one of its justifications for deposing democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
Niger, along with its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, is grappling with attacks from groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
Since the coup, Niger has urged France and other Western powers to withdraw their military bases and formed a security alliance with junta-led neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso.
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