Al-Qaeda-Linked Group Claims Niger Airport Attack Killing 13

An armed attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, early Thursday morning resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including 11 members of security forces and two civilians. The assault also targeted an adjacent military airbase, with witnesses reporting explosions and sustained gunfire lasting over an hour.

The attack began around 6:00 AM local time, with sporadic gunfire continuing for nearly two hours afterward. Security forces swiftly blocked off the area and were searching for militants in the aftermath. The government confirmed that 22 assailants were also killed during the attack, according to a statement read out on national television.

The Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for the latest attack in a statement published via its official media arm, the Az-Zallaqa Foundation. JNIM is also active in Burkina Faso and Mali, where it staged audacious nationwide attacks in April.

About 20 suspects were apprehended following the assault, with weapons and ammunition seized. Four people were wounded by the attackers, per a preliminary toll from the Ministry of Defence. A “large-scale operation” by the army is underway, and the international airport remains open to air traffic.

This is the second major assault on the airport this year. In January, an Islamic State affiliate claimed responsibility for a similar attack targeting Niger’s drone assets and air command headquarters. That incident resulted in four soldiers being wounded and damage to civilian aircraft. The latest attack underscores ongoing security challenges in Niger, which has faced persistent threats from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Niger, like its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, continues to struggle with violent insurgencies that have displaced millions across the Sahel region. The country’s military junta, which took power following a coup in 2023, has been working to contain these threats. However, recent attacks suggest that jihadist groups remain a significant threat despite increased security measures.

In an earlier statement read on state television, the government said the attack killed 11 members of the security forces and two civilians. The statement said government forces repelled the attack and killed 22 assailants, while about 20 people were arrested and assorted weapons seized.