Dozens die in Niger airport attack
Gunmen launched an assault on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital Niamey on Thursday, the Sahel state’s Defense Ministry has confirmed, claiming the lives of 13 victims, including 11 security personnel and two civilians. Four others were injured while 22 assailants were neutralized and about 20 suspects arrested.
Explosions and heavy gunfire were reported by residents near the airport early in the morning. The attackers arrived in two taxis and a van before attempting to enter the terminal, the ministry said in a state media press release.
Security forces stopped them before they could reach the building and later recovered heavy weapons, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, assault rifles, grenades, ammunition, radios, mobile phones and vehicles, according to the statement.
Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the offensive.
The ministry said a major operation was underway to track down the remaining suspects, adding that the airport had been secured and remained open to air traffic.
The West African nation has been under military rule since July 2023, when soldiers ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum’s government over its alleged failure to contain the mounting threat from Islamist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS).
Niger’s transitional authorities and their allies in Burkina Faso and Mali have repeatedly accused former colonial power France of sponsoring the terrorist groups behind the escalating attacks in an attempt to destabilize their governments.
Diori Hamani International Airport, which also hosts a military base, was previously raided by IS fighters in January. Niger’s government thanked Russian forces deployed to assist the country in combating the insurgency for helping to foil the attack. Four Nigerien soldiers were injured, 20 militants were killed in the exchange of fire, and 11 others were arrested, according to the Defense Ministry.
Niger’s transitional leader Abdourahamane Tiani accused the leaders of France, Benin and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the January assault.
In a statement on Thursday, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the latest attack and pledged the bloc’s “solidarity with Niger in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.”
