Armed Attack at Niger’s Main Airport Ends in Bloodshed, 35 Killed

A major security scare unfolded in Niger's capital on Thursday when heavily armed gunmen launched a coordinated attack on the country's main international airport, triggering intense exchanges of gunfire and explosions that left at least 35 people dead .

According to Niger's Defence Ministry, the attack targeted Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey , a strategically important facility that serves both civilian and military operations. Authorities said security forces successfully repelled the assault after a fierce confrontation with the attackers.

The ministry confirmed that 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed during the attack. Security personnel, however, inflicted significant losses on the assailants, with 22 attackers killed during the operation. An additional 20 suspects were arrested , and security forces seized weapons and ammunition during follow-up operations.

Residents living near the airport reported hearing sustained gunfire and powerful explosions in the early hours of Thursday. Witnesses described scenes of panic as security forces moved swiftly to secure the area. In the aftermath, military personnel conducted extensive searches along roads leading to the airport while tightening security across the capital.

Despite the violence, Niger's National Civil Aviation Agency later announced that airport operations had returned to normal, signalling that authorities had regained full control of the facility.

The attack marks the second major assault on the airport this year . In January, militants linked to the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an attack that reportedly targeted Niger's drone infrastructure. Since then, security around the airport has been significantly strengthened.

The airport carries strategic importance beyond aviation. It hosts an air force base and serves as the headquarters of the joint military force formed by Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) . The facility has therefore become a symbol of the region's collective fight against extremist violence.

Niger has faced persistent security challenges since the military seized power in a 2023 coup. Along with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali , the country continues to battle armed extremist groups operating across the volatile Sahel region.

Security analysts warn that critical military and government installations are likely to remain high-value targets for militant groups seeking to challenge the authority of regional governments and undermine joint counterterrorism efforts.