Diori Hamani International Airport

Diori Hamani International Airport, located in Niamey, Niger, is the country's main international airport. It is newsworthy due to a recent attack on an air force base located at the airport. On January 29, 2026, heavy gunfire and explosions were reported near the airport. Subsequently, the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the "surprise and coordinated attack," stating it inflicted heavy losses and damaged an aircraft. Niger's military ruler, Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the attack, while expressing gratitude to Russian troops for defending the airbase. The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Niger and the region, as well as the complex geopolitical dynamics involving various international actors. The incident underscores the airport's strategic importance and vulnerability in the face of extremist threats.