Niger has blamed France and other neighbouring African countries following a major ISIS attack on the main airport near the nation’s capital, which was thwarted after a heavy gun battle with security forces.
The attack took place shortly after midnight between Wednesday and Thursday at the Diori Hamani International Airport, which also houses an air force base and lies about 6 miles (10 kiliometers) from the presidential palace.
Residents reported gunfire and explosions for about an hour before calm was finally restored.
Niger’s military authorities said 20 attackers were killed during the epic gun fight, while four soldiers were also wounded. Several attacker were also reportedly taken alive and arrested.
The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors activity by armed groups, quoted a statement by the group’s propaganda outlet, Aqma, that said “IS (Daesh) fighters were behind the operation at the military base at the Diori Hamani International Airport,” and the attack caused “significant damage.”
Niger’s ruling military junta accused the presidents of Benin, France and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the assailants. These allegations have been denied.
Niger has faced violence from armed groups for more than a decade, particularly in its western and southeastern regions, including from the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and ISIS in the Sahel.
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Attacks of the magnitude near the capital are rare, highlighting security challenges despite sustained military operations by authorities and their partners.
African Union condemnation
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condemned the recent attacks in Niger and reaffirmed the bloc’s solidarity with the country.
Youssouf said he learned “with deep concern” of the attack by armed individuals at the airport, and expressed “profound sadness” about a separate deadly attack which occurred on January 18 in the village of Bosiye in western Niger, which killed around 30 civilians.
“These heinous acts form part of the campaign of terror conducted by violent extremist groups deliberately targeting civilian populations and public infrastructure,” he said. He commended the “swift and effective response of the Nigerien security forces,” which he said helped contain the airport attack.
The African Union chief expressed the organisation’s solidarity with the people of Niger and extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the Nigerien government.
Youssouf acknowledged efforts by Nigerien authorities to combat terrorism and violent extremism, citing operations by the armed forces.
He noted “the significant results achieved during the recent large-scale operation in the Tillabéri region,” which he said led to the neutralisation of several armed elements, the disruption of terror groups and the recovery of property looted from populations.
He reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism pose a serious threat to peace, stability and territorial integrity in affected states and said the African Union Commission was ready to continue supporting Niger’s efforts.
The U.S. State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency government employees and family members from its Embassy in Niamey, citing “real risks” to their safety.
“Do not travel to Niger for any reason due to crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping,” according to a travel advisory.
The agency noted that terrorists “continue to plot attacks” and target US interests, with recent incidents in Niamey and the Tillabéri region.
U.S. government employees in Niger are required to travel in armoured vehicles and observe a curfew.
