Niger’s Defence Ministry says at least 11 soldiers and two civilians have been killed after armed attackers stormed the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey.
The ministry said 22 attackers were also killed during the assault, while about 20 suspects were arrested. The statement was announced on national television on Thursday.
Security sources said the attackers arrived near an airport checkpoint early in the morning at around 6:00am local time and exchanged heavy gunfire with security forces. Residents near the airport reported hearing intense shooting and artillery fire.
The military said a large-scale security operation was launched and confirmed that the airport had been secured and remained open for flights.
The attack also left four people injured, according to an initial report. No group has immediately claimed responsibility.
The Niamey airport complex also contains a military airbase, making it one of Niger’s most important security locations. It hosts military operations, including drone activities targeting armed groups.
The incident comes months after another attack on the same facility in January, which was claimed by an armed group linked to ISIL.
Niger, along with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, has faced years of violence from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL, leading to thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people.
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