Jihadists attack international airport in Niger, killing 13

Jihadists launched a deadly assault on Niger's international airport and a military base in the capital, Niamey, killing 11 soldiers and two civilians. The attack, which lasted over two hours, was claimed by the Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) group, affiliated with al-Qaeda.

This incident marks the second attack on the airport this year, following a January strike by the Islamic State in the Sahel (ISSP). Security forces reported killing 22 jihadists and arresting around 20 during the latest offensive. JNIM is also active in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, regions grappling with persistent Islamist insurgencies.

The violence underscores Niger's ongoing challenges in curbing jihadist activity, a problem that has plagued the West African nation for years. The country, like its neighbors, has struggled to contain the escalating conflict, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced. The growing rivalry between JNIM and ISSP, who have clashed frequently since 2019, is increasingly impacting Niger.