ABIDJAN — Armed attackers struck the main international airport in Niger’s capital Niamey on Thursday, marking the second major assault on the facility this year amid ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region.
The Niger Defense Ministry released a statement confirming that the attack on Diori Hamani International Airport resulted in at least 11 security force personnel and 2 civilians killed. Another 4 individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
Security Forces Respond
According to the ministry statement, armed elements attempted to breach the airport terminal building on the morning of June 18. Security forces subsequently launched operations to address the situation. During the response, 22 attackers were killed and approximately 20 suspects were taken into custody.
The airport has since resumed normal operations following the security clearance. The National Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that flight activities and related services at Diori Hamani International Airport have returned to regular schedules.
Regional Security Context
Diori Hamani International Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Nigerien presidential palace, houses the headquarters of a joint force comprised of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The force was established to combat extremist organizations operating in the region.
This week’s attack follows a similar incident at the same airport in late January, when security forces repelled an extremist assault, killing at least 20 armed individuals and capturing 11 suspects.
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group active in the Sahel, later claimed responsibility for the assault in a statement, underscoring the severe and evolving security threats facing the region.
The African Union issued a statement strongly condemning the attack. AU Commission Chairman Mahamat Ali Youssouf expressed condolences to the families of victims and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting peace and stability efforts across the continent.
VGMG