ISIL claims responsibility for Niger airport attack

ISIL (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for an attack on an air force base at Diori Hamani International Airport near Niamey, Niger, which occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday. The ISIL-affiliated Amaq News Agency reported the group carried out a "surprise and coordinated attack" causing "significant damage." Niger's military government, which took power in a 2023 coup, stated that security forces killed 20 attackers, while four soldiers were wounded. The attack comes as Niger's authorities have been battling ISIL affiliates and al-Qaeda-linked groups in the west and southeast of the country for a decade. Military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani thanked Russian troops stationed at the base for their support and accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the attack, allegations Benin has rejected.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack on an air force base near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger, on Thursday. The extremist group stated the coordinated assault inflicted heavy losses, while Niger's state television reported its forces killed 20 attackers and arrested 11. The attack wounded four soldiers and damaged an aircraft. The incident highlights Niger's struggle to contain escalating jihadi violence in the Sahel region, particularly since a 2023 military coup. The region has faced increased militant activity from al-Qaeda and Islamic State group-backed factions since 2023, further destabilizing Niger, a former key Western security ally.

Islamic State in the Sahel claimed responsibility for an attack on the international airport and airbase in Niamey, Niger, on Thursday. The assault, involving militants on motorcycles using heavy weaponry and drones, targeted the airport approximately 6 miles from the presidential palace and a military base formerly used by US and Russian troops. The attack damaged at least three planes belonging to Air Côte d’Ivoire and Asky airlines. Niger, led by a junta since July 2023, stated that security forces repelled the attack, killing 20 assailants and arresting 11. The junta has blamed neighboring countries and France for the chaos, while also forming an alliance with Burkina Faso and Mali.

Niger's military junta, led by Abdourahamane Tiani, accused the presidents of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring an attack on Niamey's international airport, which occurred shortly before midnight. Tiani made the accusation on state television without providing evidence. Security sources described the event as a "terrorist attack" involving gunfire and explosions. Tiani vowed retaliation against the foreign leaders, signaling a further deterioration of relations between Niger, its neighbors, and France. The offices of the presidents of France, Benin and Ivory Coast did not immediately comment.

Niger's military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring an attack on a military base at Niamey's international airport on Thursday. Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup, claimed the attack occurred on Wednesday night into Thursday, resulting in injuries to four military personnel and the death of 20 attackers. He thanked Russian troops stationed at the base for their assistance in repelling the assault. The Nigerien defense ministry stated that eleven people were arrested following the attack. Tiani's accusations come amid deteriorating relations between Niger and France, as well as neighboring nations.