Deadly militant attack hits Niger airport as security forces fight back

At least 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed after suspected militants linked to Al Qaeda launched a major attack on the international airport in Niger's capital, Niamey.

At least 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed after suspected militants linked to Al Qaeda launched a major attack on the international airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey. The assault, which also targeted a nearby military base, is the latest sign of the worsening security crisis facing the military led government as extremist violence continues to spread across the country.

According to Niger’s defence ministry, security forces managed to repel the attackers after several hours of fighting. Officials said 22 militants were killed during the operation, while four people were injured and around 20 suspects were arrested. Authorities confirmed that the airport remained under government control and continued operating despite the violence, although several flights were delayed or diverted during the attack.

Residents living near the airport said heavy gunfire began early in the morning and continued for hours. Witnesses reported seeing a large deployment of soldiers in the area as security forces searched nearby neighbourhoods for attackers who had escaped the initial clash. Airport officials said the armed men arrived by taxi before opening fire at a security checkpoint, where they met strong resistance from military personnel.

Later in the day, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, commonly known as JNIM, claimed responsibility for the assault. The organisation is affiliated with Al Qaeda and is one of the most active militant groups operating across the Sahel region. The group described the operation as a suicide attack targeting both the airport and the nearby military installation.

Officials said several attackers were wearing explosive belts, increasing the danger faced by security personnel during the operation. Local residents also joined efforts to support security forces by helping search for suspects who had fled into surrounding communities. Large scale military operations continued throughout the day as troops attempted to secure the area and prevent any further attacks.

The latest assault comes only six months after another attack on the same airport and military drone base that was claimed by the Islamic State in the Sahel. That earlier operation was also repelled by Nigerien forces with support from Russian allies. Following the January attack, the government promised to strengthen security around the airport by extending the perimeter fence, installing hundreds of surveillance cameras and clearing thousands of illegally built homes near the site. Authorities claimed militant groups had been using those settlements to hide their members.

Despite those measures, security experts believe the latest attack raises fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s security strategy. Analysts say the ability of militants to strike such a heavily protected location suggests they may have received assistance or information from inside the security system. They also warned that extremist groups remain capable of carrying out coordinated attacks despite increased military operations.

The Nigerien government once again accused France of supporting armed groups seeking to destabilise the country, repeating claims that Paris has consistently denied. Since the military seized power in a 2023 coup, relations with France have deteriorated sharply, while Niger has strengthened ties with countries including Russia, Iran and Turkey.

Niger, along with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, has faced a decade of violence carried out by armed groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Despite repeated military operations and new security partnerships, attacks continue to claim lives and highlight the growing challenge of restoring stability across the region.