Niamey, Jun 19 (V7N) – At least 35 people were killed after heavily armed militants launched a deadly attack on Niger's main international airport, Diori Hamani International Airport, in the capital Niamey on Thursday.
According to government authorities, members of the banned Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an armed group linked to Al-Qaeda, carried out the assault, triggering hours of intense fighting with Nigerien security forces.
Officials said 22 of the dead were militants involved in the attack. The remaining victims included 11 soldiers and two civilians who were killed during the confrontation.
Shortly after the incident, JNIM officially claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as part of its ongoing campaign in the Sahel region.
Following the clash, Niger's joint military forces launched a large-scale security operation at the airport and surrounding areas. Authorities said at least 20 suspects have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
Security forces also recovered a significant cache of weapons and military equipment from the attackers, including rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, AK-47 rifles, live grenades, high-powered explosives and other combat gear.
The attack marks the second major assault on Diori Hamani International Airport within five months, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in Niger and the broader Sahel region.
Earlier this year, the regional affiliate of the so-called Islamic State carried out a major suicide attack targeting the airport and a nearby military base, underscoring the persistent threat posed by extremist groups operating across the region.
Authorities have vowed to continue operations against militant networks and strengthen security around key national infrastructure following the latest attack.
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