The fighter jet was part of Nigeria's air fleet engaged with an African force battling hardline Islamists in Mali. The Niger military source said it had suffered a "mechanical" problem.
"A Nigerian fighter plane crashed this morning (Monday) in the Dargol zone (west), killing the two pilots," the officer said.
Nigerian army spokesman Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru, confirmed the jet belonged to his country's airforce, but gave no further details.
French and Chadian planes and US drones have used the Niamey airport as a base for their operations in Mali.
The 6,000-strong African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) has taken over the lead from France in supporting Mali's army in the battle against Al-Qaeda-linked extremists.
A French-led operation launched in January drove the Islamists from key cities they had seized in northern Mali. But the Islamists have turned to suicide bombings and guerrilla attacks in reclaimed territory.
AFISMA will eventually be incorporated into a 12,600-strong peacekeeping force, following a UN resolution in April.
Courageous, gallant soldiers, please RIP.
ReplyDeleteIN HONOUR OF THE FIGHTER PILOTS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES....
ReplyDeleteI stand upon the ocean shore.
As a ship at my side opens her sail to the morning breeze and begins to glide across the water blue.
She is a beautiful sight.
I stand and watch her as she glides with grace and strength into the clouds on the horizon. Just where the sky and the ocean meet and come to mingle with one another. When I hear someone cry out,
"She is gone."
and I must turn and say to them,
"Yes, but gone only from sight."
For within the mind and heart she can always be found.
For life is eternal, Love is immortal, and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limits of our sight.
Sqn Ldr BB Adoo and Fg Offr A Layemenson are ships whom have slipped beyond the horizon just out of sight, but not out of our minds or heart.
For their sails have now become wings and now they can soar.
They lived for their families and friends but their passion was the Air Force. They have made their families, nation, friends extremely proud for the sacrifice they have made and will be missed every passing day.
Sqn Ldr BB Adoo and Fg Offr A Layemenson died hero and will be with us forever in our hearts. They showed true promise and had a great future, but what else can we do but take heart and find consolation in the fact that we will meet someday at the master's feet.
'We have lost some of our stars; modest, bright, witty and intelligent, and above all very true and loyal FIGHTER PILOTS...LIVE ON my colleagues.....indeed you have given your today for their tomorrow....patrick martins(navy)
Thx Patrick. We shall all meet to part no more.
ReplyDeleteMichael.
ReplyDeleteOfficer Patrick Martins (Navy) you made tears to run down my cheecks the way I ve never experienced in my life by this write up. It is wonderful and you ve said it all. May the souls of these gallant men rest in peace, They ve really gave their today for our tomorrow.