Jan. 30 (UPI) — An overnight attack on Diori Hamani International Airport, near Niger's capital Niamey, left 20 attackers dead and four Nigerien service members wounded after roughly 30 minutes of explosions and sustained gunfire, officials said.
Niger's Defense Ministry said 11 people were detained after the assault and that a French national was among those killed. Video footage and witness accounts indicate Niger's air-defense systems engaged incoming projectiles during the attack.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Friday through its Amaq news outlet, saying it coordinated the operation and alleging the airport sustained "major damage," though it provided no independent casualty figures.
The airport resumed normal operations on Thursday. Nigerien officials credited Russian military personnel stationed in the country with helping to repel the attackers and limit further damage.
Political Reaction and Regional Context
Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a July 2023 coup, appeared on state television and publicly blamed the presidents of France, Benin and the Ivory Coast for the attack. Tiani offered no evidence to support those accusations but promised retaliation, saying, "We have heard them bark. They should be ready to hear us roar."
Tiani has recently accused France and some neighboring states of acting as French proxies, a stance that has contributed to strained relations. Since the coup, Niger has deepened security ties with Russia while cutting some military cooperation with France. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso — all battling large-scale insurgencies in the Sahel — formed the Alliance of Sahel States and have increasingly cooperated with Russian forces.
Key Facts: 20 attackers killed; 4 Nigerien soldiers wounded; 11 detained; Islamic State claimed responsibility; airport operations have resumed.
The situation remains fluid, and Nigerien authorities have signaled they will pursue those they hold responsible while continuing investigations into the assault.
