Niger Repels Airport Attack; 35 Killed, ISIS Affiliate Claims Responsibility

Government troops in Niger have successfully thwarted an assault on the capital city's international airport, Diori Hamani International Airport, in Niamey. The attack, which occurred early in the morning, resulted in a significant loss of life, with officials reporting 35 deaths. Among the casualties were two civilians, eleven soldiers, and 22 attackers. Four individuals sustained injuries, and 20 people were taken into custody.

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The situation is under control.

The situation at the airport is now under control, according to a statement read on state television. The government confirmed that flight operations have resumed. A branch of the Islamic State group, known as Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack, describing it as a "suicide bombing" targeting the airport and a nearby military base.

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suicide bombing

Witnesses reported hearing the first explosions around 6 a.m. local time, followed by hours of gunfire. An airport official described how armed assailants arrived by taxi at the entrance, encountering strong resistance at a checkpoint. Some attackers, reportedly wearing explosive belts, fled into surrounding neighborhoods, which are now being searched by security forces. This incident follows a similar attack on the airport and an adjacent airbase in late January, for which another ISIS affiliate, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), claimed responsibility.

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The armed assailants came to the entrance of the airport by taxi and met with 'heavy resistance' at a checkpoint.