Niamey: A major attack on Niger's main international airport and nearby military facilities has left at least 13 people dead, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing the West African nation despite government efforts to contain militant violence.
The assault took place early on Thursday in the capital, Niamey, when armed attackers launched a coordinated operation targeting Diori Hamani International Airport and a nearby military air base. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and sustained gunfire as security forces moved quickly to confront the attackers.
According to government officials, 11 members of the security forces and two civilians were killed during the attack. Authorities said security personnel managed to repel the assault after intense fighting and later killed 22 attackers. Around 20 suspects were arrested during follow up operations carried out in and around the capital.
The government announced that the situation had been brought under control and that airport operations had resumed. Officials said flights continued despite the violence, seeking to reassure travelers and residents that security had been restored.
The attack caused fear among people living near the airport, with many residents describing scenes of confusion as gunfire echoed across parts of the city. Security forces quickly sealed off roads leading to the airport and military installations while helicopters and patrol units were deployed to support the response.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault. However, security analysts noted that the attack bore similarities to previous operations carried out by extremist groups active across the Sahel region. Niger has been battling insurgencies linked to both the Islamic State and Al Qaeda for several years.
The latest incident comes less than five months after another major attack on the same airport complex. In January, militants breached security around the airport and military facilities, damaging infrastructure and military equipment. That attack was later claimed by an Islamic State affiliate operating in the region.
The repeated targeting of the airport has raised concerns about the ability of armed groups to strike strategic locations even in heavily protected areas of the capital. The airport serves as both Niger's main gateway for international travel and an important military hub, making it a symbolically and strategically important target.
Security experts believe the attack may be part of a wider campaign by extremist groups seeking to challenge government authority. Reports from other parts of Niger indicate that militants have recently intensified attacks on military positions, particularly in regions close to the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso.
Niger's military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, came to power in 2023 after a coup that promised to improve security and tackle the growing insurgent threat. Since then, the country has strengthened military cooperation with regional allies and sought new security partnerships following the departure of several Western military forces.
Despite these efforts, violence continues to affect large areas of the country. Thousands of people have been killed across the wider Sahel region in recent years, while millions have been displaced from their homes because of ongoing conflict.
The attack on Niamey's airport is likely to increase pressure on the government as it seeks to demonstrate that it can protect key national infrastructure and maintain stability. For many Nigeriens, the incident is a reminder that the threat posed by militant groups remains serious and that restoring long term security remains one of the country's biggest challenges.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine who was behind the assault and whether it was connected to other recent attacks across the country. Security forces remain on high alert while additional measures are being put in place to prevent further incidents.