Gunmen have attacked Niger’s largest airport, Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital Niamey, for the second time in six months. The assault, which occurred in the early hours of this morning, targeted military and civilian areas of the facility. Initial reports indicate exchanges of heavy gunfire between the attackers and security forces.
The extent of casualties and damage remains unclear, though sources suggest the assault was repelled after a brief engagement. The incident follows a similar attack in March, when armed assailants attempted to breach the airport’s perimeter. The Sahel region continues to face persistent insecurity from jihadist groups and criminal networks, with Niger’s military government under pressure to restore stability.
The airport, which serves as a key hub for international humanitarian and military operations, has been temporarily closed. Airlines have diverted flights to alternative airports in the region. The attack underscores the fragility of security in Niger, where a junta seized power in July 2023 and has since expelled French forces while pivoting towards Russian military support.
Analysts view the repeated targeting of critical infrastructure as a strategic shift by militant groups seeking to undermine the government’s control and disrupt international engagement. The United Nations and regional bodies have condemned the attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility.
