Nigerien authorities have reported that 20 attackers were killed and 11 others arrested following an assault on a military base at Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital, Niamey. The government has accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of involvement in the attack, while expressing gratitude to Russian forces for assisting in repelling the assault.
Addressing state television after visiting the site on Thursday (29 January), Niger’s ruling General Abdourahmane Tiani provided details of the incident. The accused nations—France, Benin, and Ivory Coast—have not yet responded to the allegations, and no armed group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Diori Hamani airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the presidential palace, came under a series of explosions and gunfire from Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
Defence Minister Salifou Modi stated that the attack lasted around 30 minutes before joint air and ground operations restored control of the base. Four Nigerien soldiers were reportedly injured during the clashes. State media confirmed that one of the slain attackers was a French national.
General Tiani issued a stern warning, saying, “We have heard their barking, now let them hear our roar.” He publicly acknowledged Russian forces for their role in defending the military facility.
Russia has been providing military assistance to Niger in its ongoing fight against Al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked armed groups operating in the region.
Source: BBC.