11 soldiers and 2 civilians dead as gunmen attack airport in Niger’s capital

Eleven members of the security forces and two civilians were killed in an attack on Thursday at the airport and military airbase in Niger's capital, Niamey. Explosions and sporadic gunfire were reported starting around 6 am local time. The al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a suicide operation. The airport had previously been targeted by the regional Islamic State affiliate in January. The government statement did not identify the perpetrators, but JNIM's claim provides attribution for the attack.