Thirty-five killed as gunmen attack Niger's biggest airport

## Attack on Diori Hamani International Airport

On Thursday morning, gunmen opened fire on Niger’s largest aviation hub, Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, killing 35 people. Residents said they had just finished their early‑morning prayers when a series of explosions and gunshots shattered the silence.

### Casualties

The Nigerien defence ministry reported that the death toll includes 22 attackers, 11 soldiers, and two civilians. In addition, four of the assailants were wounded and 20 suspects have been arrested.

### Claim of Responsibility

The Al‑Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the assault in an evening statement.

## Context of the Violence

Niger has been embroiled in a ten‑year Islamist insurgency. This is the second major strike on the airport in less than five months; in January, a group linked to the Islamic State claimed a similar attack, injuring four military personnel and killing 20 attackers.

## Security Response and Manhunt

Security forces contained the violence by mid‑morning and launched a manhunt for any remaining gunmen. Armed local residents joined the effort, though officials warned civilians against taking part. Witnesses described attackers blending with the local population, prompting some civilians to arm themselves with machetes and sticks.

A substantial weapons cache was seized, including RPG‑7 launchers, AK‑47 rifles, explosives, grenades, communications gear, and thousands of ammunition rounds. The airport area was locked down, with checkpoints inspecting all vehicles.

## International Reaction

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, “strongly condemned” the assault and praised Nigerien forces for repelling the attack and securing the facility.

## Diori Hamani Airport’s Strategic Role

The airport serves both civilian flights and a military base, hosting facilities of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a security pact between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all governed by military juntas formed partly in response to jihadist threats.

## Recent Security Measures

In the weeks preceding the attack, Nigerien authorities demolished neighborhoods near the airport citing “terrorist risks,” extended the perimeter fence, and installed over 350 surveillance cameras.

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