Al-Qaeda-linked Group Attacks Niger Airport, 11 Soldiers Killed

A group associated with Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The assault resulted in at least 11 soldiers and two civilians killed, along with 22 attackers also killed by security forces.

The attack occurred early morning when gunfire erupted near the airport, where a large military presence was deployed later that day. A statement from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), Al-Qaeda’s Sahel branch, confirmed they carried out “a suicide attack” on the airport and a neighboring military base.

The defense ministry reported four wounded individuals and about 20 suspects arrested following the incident. Flightradar24 indicated several flights intended for Niamey were rerouted or delayed due to the attack. The security situation at the sensitive site has been strained, with previous attacks in January by the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) also targeting the airport and a drone base.

The Nigerien government has accused France of financing these groups to destabilize the country, an accusation Paris denies. Intelligence firm Mintel World’s Hasret Kargin noted that despite recent security measures like extending the perimeter fence and installing cameras, the effectiveness remains questionable. The European Union and African Union condemned the attack, which occurred amid a decade-long period of jihadist violence in Niger and its neighboring countries, Burkina Faso and Mali.