World
Islamic State Claims Deadly Attack on Airport in Niger Capital
The Islamic State affiliate operating in Niger claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on the airport in Niamey, the capital city, according to SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist activity and communications worldwide. This comes as no surprise given the group’s involvement in recent attacks targeting Tillaberi region, resulting in over 120 deaths in September. In October, the Islamic State also abducted an American pilot.
Niger’s government stated that attackers arrived by motorcycle. Security forces swiftly repelled their advance. The assault resulted in four soldiers being wounded and several civilian planes sustaining damage. Government officials reported that a stash of ammunition caught fire during the incident, highlighting the material losses at the airport.
Islamic State characterized the attack as “surprise and coordinated,” with significant harm inflicted on facilities without providing further specifics.