11 Soldiers and 2 Civilians Killed in Niger Airport Attack

An attack on Thursday morning at an airport and military airbase in Niger’s capital, Niamey, left 11 security personnel and two civilians dead, the government confirmed in a statement. The assault began around 6 a.m. local time with explosions and gunfire, witnesses reported, and continued for nearly two hours before government forces repelled the assailants.

Authorities have not identified the attackers, and no group has claimed responsibility so far. However, the region has seen frequent violence from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. In January, the same airport was targeted by the Islamic State’s regional affiliate. Thursday’s attack resulted in the deaths of 22 assailants, while around 20 others were arrested. Security forces also seized weapons during the operation, according to the government’s statement, which was broadcast on state television.

By midday, the situation had largely stabilized, with only occasional gunfire heard as security forces carried out sweeping operations. Residents reported that the area around the airport remained cordoned off by the military. Niger’s civil aviation agency later announced that normal airport operations had resumed.

Niger, along with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, has faced ongoing challenges in combating extremist violence. Jihadist attacks in the Sahel region have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, creating a humanitarian crisis. Despite efforts to counter these groups, the violence continues to destabilize the region and strain local governments.

The government assured citizens that the situation was under control, but the attack underscores the persistent threat posed by militant groups in Niger and the broader Sahel region. Authorities are expected to intensify security measures in response to the incident.