Key facts
- Explosions and sustained gunfire occurred early Thursday morning at the airport in Niamey, Niger.
- Security forces cordoned off the area surrounding the airport.
- A security source indicated the airport appeared to be under attack.
- The Islamic State affiliate in the region claimed responsibility for a previous attack on the airport in January.
- Niger, along with its Sahel neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, is struggling to contain attacks from jihadist groups.
Explosions and sustained gunfire lasting over an hour were heard early Thursday morning at the airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, with security forces blocking off the area. A Reuters witness and two residents reported the events, which began around 6 a.m. local time. Sporadic gunfire continued for nearly two hours after the initial explosions.
A security source indicated that the airport appeared to be under attack. A Niger government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Islamic State affiliate in the region has previously claimed responsibility for an attack on the airport in January. Niger, along with its Sahel neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, has been struggling to contain attacks from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of displacements across the three countries.
Videos filmed by residents showed streaks of light in the sky with loud explosions, and flames several meters high with charred cars. The Diori Hamani International Airport also houses an air force base. The shooting began shortly after midnight according to residents near the airport, with calm returning two hours later. Sirens from fire trucks heading towards the airport were also heard. An online activist called for people to defend the country. The airport serves as headquarters for a joint force created by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to combat jihadist groups. Niger's military leadership has expelled French and US forces and formed an alliance with Mali and Burkina Faso. Jihadist violence killed nearly 2,000 people in Niger in 2025, according to ACLED.