Diori Hamani International Airport

Diori Hamani International Airport, located in Niamey, Niger, is the country's main airport. It is newsworthy due to a recent attack on an air force base situated at the airport. On January 29, 2026, heavy gunfire and explosions were reported near the airport. Subsequently, ISIL (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the "surprise and coordinated attack," stating it inflicted heavy losses. Niger's military ruler, Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the attack, a claim made without providing evidence. Tiani also thanked Russian troops for their assistance in defending the airbase. The attack wounded four soldiers and damaged an aircraft. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and geopolitical tensions in Niger, particularly in the wake of the recent coup and the country's shifting alliances.