Beginning in February and March 2008, mine attacks in the south ended, major rebel incursions out of Aïr  and the desert regions subsided, and the Nigerien military went on the offensive, retaking a major rebel position in the far northwest.
The rebels launched a daring raid into the Areva facilities in Arlit, seizing four French hostages.
International human rights groups condemned the move, and the four were released to the Red Cross.
While the Nigerien Armed Forces have staged attacks in the Aïr, there appeared to be a stalemate.
Beginning in February and March 2008, mine attacks in the south ended, major rebel incursions out of Aïr  and the desert regions subsided, and the Nigerien military went on the offensive, retaking a major rebel position in the far northwest. The rebels launched a daring raid into the Areva facilities in Arlit, seizing four French hostages. International human rights groups condemned the move, and the four were released to the Red Cross. While the Nigerien Armed Forces have staged attacks in the Aïr, there appeared to be a stalemate.
Tuareg rebellion (2007–2009)