Key facts
- Al Qaeda's West Africa affiliate claimed responsibility for an attack on Niger's capital airport and military airbase.
- The attack killed 11 members of the security forces and two civilians.
- Government forces repelled the assault, killing 22 assailants and arresting 20.
- The airport complex was previously targeted by an Islamic State affiliate in January.
West Africa's al Qaeda affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for an attack on the airport and military airbase in Niger's capital, Niamey. The government stated that the assault, which began around 6 a.m. local time and lasted over two hours, resulted in the deaths of 11 members of the security forces and two civilians. Government forces repelled the attack, killing 22 assailants and arresting approximately 20 others, while also seizing assorted weapons. This incident marks the second attack on the airport complex this year, following a January assault by the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), a rival group. Niger, like its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, is grappling with persistent insecurity from jihadist groups, and the rivalry between JNIM and ISSP has intensified, leading to numerous clashes and high-impact attacks on strategic targets. The situation in Niamey appeared calm by midday, with security forces securing the area and the civil aviation agency confirming the resumption of normal airport operations.