Niamey, Niger — Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), the al-Qaeda affiliate operating in West Africa, has claimed responsibility for a devastating attack on Niger’s Diori Hamani International Airport and a nearby military airbase in the capital, Niamey.
The assault, which commenced early on Thursday, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 soldiers and two civilians, with an additional 22 attackers killed and about 20 suspects arrested, according to Niger’s defense minister.
The minister described the incident as a “treacherous attempted incursion “and confirmed that a “large-scale operation “by the army was underway, ensuring the airport remained fully secured and operational. Niger’s civil aviation agency reported that normal operations had resumed.
In a statement on its propaganda channel, Az — Zallaqa, JNIM claimed responsibility for the “suicide attack “on the airport and the adjacent military base.
The attack follows a previous jihadist assault on the airport complex earlier this year and highlights the ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region. Officials commented on the matter. “.
The incident has also drawn international attention, with concerns raised about the broader regional implications of the jihadist threat. Niger, like neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, has faced years of attacks by jihadist groups linked to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
The latest attack, carried out by JNIM, underscores the expanding influence of the group and the competition for regional dominance with other jihadist factions, such as the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP).
The strategic importance of the airport and the military base, which hosts advanced drone infrastructure and serves as a joint military headquarters for the Sahel region, cannot be overstated.
The presence of a large shipment of uranium from northern Niger, awaiting export, adds to the significance of the site.
As investigations continue, the incident is likely to prompt a reassessment of security measures and counter — terrorism strategies in the region.
The international community will be watching closely to see how the Niger government and its regional allies respond to the escalating violence.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: rfi
Source: RFI
