Explosions and gunfire heard at airport in Niger's capital Niamey
Summary
Explosions and gunfire broke out at the airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, early on June 18, 2026. Security forces blocked the area, and it appeared the airport was under attack, but no group immediately claimed responsibility.Key Facts
- The attack began with explosions around 6 a.m. local time and gunfire lasted for nearly two hours.
- Witnesses and a security source reported the airport was under attack.
- A Niger government spokesperson did not comment immediately on the incident.
- The Islamic State (IS) group claimed a similar attack on the same airport in January 2026.
- Thousands of illegally built homes near the airport were demolished after the attack.
- Authorities said jihadist fighters had infiltrated the area to carry out the attack.
- Niger faces ongoing violence from jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and IS in the Sahel region.
- Neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso also struggle with similar insurgent attacks.
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