Gunfire and explosions heard at Niger capital's airport

Thirty-five people were killed when gunmen launched an attack on Niger's largest airport in Niamey, the capital of the West African nation. According to witnesses, the assault began shortly before dawn on Thursday, with gunfire and explosions audible from the airport's entrance. The violence lasted for approximately two hours before security forces managed to quell the threat. Local residents confirmed that the military had successfully repelled the attack and was now actively pursuing the remaining attackers, who reportedly left behind their weapons.

Eyewitness accounts described hearing the initial shots around 06:00 local time while attending a nearby mosque. A witness speaking to AFP noted that the gunfire originated specifically from the entrance of Diori Hamani International Airport, a critical hub for both domestic and international travel in Niger. The attack appears to have targeted infrastructure crucial to the region's connectivity and security, raising concerns about the vulnerability of such facilities to extremist threats.

Authorities have not yet issued official statements regarding the incident, nor has any group claimed responsibility. However, an affiliate of the Islamic State group previously asserted responsibility for a similar attack in January, which resulted in the deaths of 20 militants and injuries to four military personnel. At that time, the head of Niger's military government, Abdourahamane Tiani, expressed gratitude toward Russia for its assistance in thwarting the earlier assault. He also made allegations against the leaders of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast, accusing them of supporting those responsible for the attack, although he did not provide specific evidence or clarify the nature of Russia's involvement.

In response to ongoing security threats, Niger's authorities have taken several precautionary measures. They have recently demolished neighborhoods adjacent to the airport due to perceived terrorist risks. Additionally, the airport's perimeter has been expanded with new fencing, and over 350 surveillance cameras have been installed to enhance monitoring capabilities. These actions reflect a broader effort to bolster security infrastructure following previous incidents.

The attack on the airport underscores the persistent challenges faced by Niger in maintaining stability amidst regional conflicts and terrorism. The country has long grappled with insurgent activities linked to groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates, which have periodically threatened its security landscape. The recent developments highlight the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among neighboring nations to address these complex issues effectively.

As investigations into the attack continue, there remains uncertainty about the full extent of the perpetrators' motives and affiliations. Security forces are currently engaged in operations aimed at locating and apprehending any remaining suspects. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential implications for regional security dynamics and the broader fight against extremism in the Sahel region.