Niamey: An armed attack targeted both Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101 in Niamey, the capital city of Niger, shortly before midnight local time on Thursday. The assault, which involved a group of attackers on motorcycles, led to heavy gunfire and explosions ringing out around the airport for approximately two hours. The local situation has since been reported as stable.
According to Thai News Agency, Niger's national television reported that several of the attackers were killed, with one identified as a French national. Between 15 to 20 attackers were reported dead, while 11 were arrested. The attack resulted in injuries to four Nigerien soldiers. Additionally, a commercial aircraft from Asky Airlines and Air C´te d'Ivoire suffered minor damage from gunfire, although no passengers were harmed. Some ammunition depots also caught fire and sustained damage.
General Abdurahamen Tiani, leader of Niger's military government, condemned the attack as a terrorist act. He accused French President Emmanuel Macron and the leaders of Benin and Ivory Coast of supporting the attackers. General Tiani also expressed gratitude to the Russian troops stationed at the base for their assistance in safeguarding the facility.