DAKAR, Senegal — Gunmen launched an attack on Niger’s main international airport in the capital of Niamey early Thursday, killing 11 soldiers and two civilians before security forces repelled the assault, according to the country’s Defense Ministry.
In a statement, the ministry said the attack was thwarted after an exchange of fire that left 22 attackers dead. Authorities also reported the arrest of 20 suspects and the seizure of weapons and ammunition.
Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions during the incident. An Associated Press journalist at the scene observed soldiers conducting searches of people traveling on roads leading to the airport following the attack.
Several hours after the violence, Niger’s National Civil Aviation Agency announced that airport operations had returned to normal.
Strategic Airport Targeted
The attack occurred at Diori Hamani International Airport, a key transportation and military facility in Niger.
The airport hosts a Nigerien air force base and serves as the headquarters of the joint military force established by Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali under the Alliance of Sahel States.
Authorities did not immediately identify the group responsible for Thursday’s assault.
The airport has become an increasingly important security site as Niger and its regional allies seek to address armed insurgencies across the Sahel.
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Security Concerns Persist Across the Sahel
Niger has been governed by a military administration since a 2023 coup and continues to face attacks from jihadist groups operating across the region.
The country shares security challenges with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, which are also led by military governments and have struggled to contain militant violence.
Thursday’s assault marked the second reported attack on Diori Hamani International Airport this year.
In January, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an attack targeting drone assets at the airport, according to officials and previous reports.
Following that incident, security measures around the airport were strengthened.
Regional Military Alliance Remains a Focus
Security analysts say the airport’s military significance makes it an attractive target for armed groups.
“The symbolism of the airport as headquarters for AES will drive intent by militants to target it,” Beverly Ochieng, a senior security analyst at Control Risks, said, referring to the Alliance of Sahel States.
The attack underscores continuing security concerns in the Sahel, where governments and regional forces continue efforts to combat insurgent groups operating across national borders.
Tags: Niger, Niamey, Sahel, Alliance of Sahel States, Diori Hamani International Airport, Military Security, Jihadist Violence, West Africa
