Desert Yields Bodies of 92 Thirst Victims

Earlier reports suggested that about 35 people, apparently migrants seeking work, had died of thirst in a Niger desert—but the remains of more than double that number have been discovered by rescue teams, reports the AP. The 92 highly decomposed bodies appeared to have been scavenged by jackals, rescue worker Almoustapha Alhacen says. At least 48 were children or teens, the BBC reports. The group, whose vehicle broke down, may have been heading for work in Algeria, Alhacen notes. The BBC notes that some 80,000 a year are thought to attempt a similarly dangerous journey across the Sahara, ultimately aiming for Europe. (More Niger stories.)