Niger says soldiers, civilians killed in armed attack on Niamey airport
Summary
Armed men attacked Niamey’s international airport and military base in Niger, killing 11 soldiers and 2 civilians. The military fought back, killing 22 attackers and arresting about 20 suspects, and the airport remains open.Key Facts
- The attack happened early Thursday morning around 6:00am local time near Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport.
- The defence ministry confirmed 11 soldiers and 2 civilians were killed; 22 attackers were also killed.
- About 20 suspects were captured by security forces after the attack.
- The airport and a military airbase are located in the same area and were both targeted.
- The airport stayed open during and after the attack, and a large military operation was launched.
- No group claimed responsibility for this attack yet, but an ISIL affiliate had attacked the airport complex in January.
- Niger has recently increased security around the airport by tearing down illegal homes, extending fences, and adding cameras.
- The airport is an important site for military forces and stores uranium stocks, making it strategically significant and risky if attacked.
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