A coordinated assault on an airport in western Niger has left at least 35 people dead, with British forces placed on standby to evacuate foreign nationals, according to official sources. The attack, which occurred early this morning at the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, involved a combination of vehicle-borne explosives and small-arms fire, targeting both military and civilian sections of the facility.
Witnesses reported a series of explosions followed by sustained gunfire as armed groups breached perimeter defences. The Nigerien government confirmed that 35 bodies have been recovered, including soldiers, airport personnel, and passengers. At least 20 others were wounded, some critically. No group has yet claimed responsibility, but analysts suspect the involvement of jihadist factions affiliated with al-Qaeda or Islamic State, both of which operate in the Sahel region.
The British Ministry of Defence announced that a contingent of special forces has been placed on standby at a nearby military base, ready to extract British passport holders and embassy staff if required. A spokesperson stated that the situation remains fluid and that contingency plans are in place to ensure the safety of British nationals. The Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Niger and urged those currently in the country to shelter in place.
France, which maintains a significant military presence in the region, has also mobilised assets. President Macron convened an emergency security meeting this afternoon. The attack represents a major escalation in the Sahel conflict, which has seen a steady deterioration in security since military coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso shifted the regional balance.
The airport has been closed indefinitely, with all flights suspended. Commercial airlines are rerouting traffic, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded. The United Nations has called for an independent investigation, while the African Union condemned the attack as a violation of international law. Humanitarian organisations warn that the violence could disrupt aid deliveries to vulnerable populations in the interior.
This incident underscores the growing reach of insurgent groups and the fragility of state control in the Sahel. The international community has been slow to respond to the region's crisis, but today's events may force a recalibration of Western military strategy. For now, the focus is on securing the airport perimeter and accounting for all casualties.
