Riyadh - Niamey (SPA) - The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud  has ordered an air ambulance be sent to Niger to transfer the bodies of four Saudi tourists who were killed when gunmen opened fire at them in an attack in Niger on Monday. The Saudis were on a hunting safari, said Osama Nuqali, director of media at the Saudi Embassy in Niger. "Al-Riyadh" newspaper quoted. The attack left five others seriously injured, according to a Saudi embassy official.
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid bin Saud told Al-Arabiya TV the tourists were leaving Niger for neighboring Mali when they were attacked around dawn after stopping their vehicle to perform morning prayers.
Three other people in the group of eight travelers were seriously wounded in the attack and transported to hospital in Niamey, Communication Minister Kassoum Moctar said on state radio.
Niger Communication Minister Kassoum Moctar said,  “Niger's government deplores these barbarous acts that were unfortunately perpetrated on its territory, and offers its condolences to the Saudi government.”