Rebels attack Nigerien town

TANOUT, Niger, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Rebels in Niger have attacked a town, killing or abducting several people, including the town's mayor, in the biggest raid in recent months.

Tuareg rebels, seeking more autonomy and a better share of the profits from uranium mining, say they abducted 11 people from Tanout, which is northeast of the Nigerien capital of Niamey, the BBC reported Tuesday.

The government broadcast messages over state radio this month, calling on citizens to report suspected rebels or rebel supporters.

On their Web site, the rebels say the mayor had ordered people to report anybody suspected to be supporting the rebellion, the British network reported.

About 50 soldiers have been killed over the past year and rebels are now believed to be holding 30 soldiers captive.