ISIS claims terrorist attack on international airport and airbase in Niger

ISIS claims terrorist attack on international airport and airbase in Niger
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Islamic State in the Sahel has claimed responsibility for a coordinated attack targeting Niamey’s international airport and a nearby air force base, The Guardian reported citing the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist communications.

The assault began shortly after midnight on Thursday and involved militants arriving on motorcycles, using heavy weapons and drones, according to statements circulated by the group’s media outlet, Amaq. Nigerien authorities said security forces repelled the attack, killing 20 assailants and arresting 11 others, while an ammunition cache caught fire during the clashes.

Gunfire and explosions struck areas of the airport located about 10 kilometers from the presidential palace and the Base Aérienne 101 military facility. At least three aircraft were hit, including one operated by Air Côte d’Ivoire and two belonging to the Togolese airline Asky. Airline sources said staff were not at the airport at the time and remained safe.

The attack comes as Niger, ruled by a military junta since a July 2023 coup, faces escalating security threats. The Islamic State affiliate has carried out deadly attacks in recent months, including mass killings in the Tillabéri region. The Niamey assault coincided with a separate Islamic State attack in northeastern Nigeria that killed at least nine soldiers, underscoring the widening reach of jihadist violence across the Sahel.