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Explosions, sustained gunfire heard at Niger capital's airport

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Explosions and sustained gunfire were heard early Thursday morning at the airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, lasting for over an hour.
  • Security forces have blocked off the area, and a security source indicated the airport was under attack.
  • An Islamic State affiliate had previously claimed responsibility for an attack on the same airport in January, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.

Explosions and sustained gunfire rocked the airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, early Thursday morning, with the violence lasting for more than an hour. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area surrounding the airport.

A Reuters witness and two local residents reported hearing the initial explosions around 6 a.m. local time. Sporadic gunfire continued to be audible nearly two hours later. A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the airport appeared to be under attack.

This incident follows a previous attack on the same airport in January, for which the Islamic State affiliate in the region claimed responsibility. Niger, along with its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, has been grappling with persistent attacks from jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These groups have caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions across the Sahel region.

A Niger government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the ongoing situation.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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