Gunfire and blasts heard at airport in Niger with planes hit – reports

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Eromo Egbejule West Africa correspondentJanuary 29, 2026 at 11:33 AM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Gunfire and explosions were reported at Niamey's main airport in Niger, with damage to at least two aircraft belonging to Togolese airline Asky. The incident occurred around midnight, with bullet holes found in the fuselages. The airport is located near a military base previously used by both American and Russian troops. The source of the gunfire and the extent of any casualties remain unclear, and Nigerien authorities have not yet commented. The incident occurs against a backdrop of political instability following a July 2023 coup, which has seen Niger withdraw from ECOWAS, expel French and US forces, and grapple with increasing jihadist violence. The country has experienced a significant rise in terrorism-related deaths.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mali ×260% Burkina Faso ×260% Alliance of Sahel States 60% Asky 60% al-Qaida 60% Mohamed Bazoum 60% Islamic State 60% Economic Community of West African States 70% Reuters ×270% Abdourahmane Tchiani 70% Niamey ×380% Niger ×790%

Keywords

niger 90% airport attack 90% coup 80% military junta 70% gunfire 70% security situation 70% terrorism 60% niamey 60% geopolitical realignment 50% jihadism 50%