At least 35 people have been killed in a coordinated attack by gunmen on the main airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, according to government officials. The assault, which began at approximately 03:00 local time, targeted the Diori Hamani International Airport, the country’s largest aviation hub. Reports from the scene indicate that armed insurgents breached the perimeter after a series of explosions, which were likely car bombs.
Casualties include civilians, security personnel, and at least one foreign national. The British government has confirmed that Special Forces units in the region have been placed on standby to assist with evacuation or direct intervention if requested by Nigerien authorities. The attack has not yet been claimed, but suspicion falls on jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda or Islamic State, which have been active in the Sahel region.
Niger has been a key Western ally in the fight against insurgency, hosting French and US military assets. The incident raises serious questions about airport security and the stability of President Mohamed Bazoum’s government.
