Niger reports attack on Niamey air force base with heavy gunfire

Niger's state broadcaster reported that armed men attacked a Nigerien Air Force base at Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport overnight; security forces reportedly repelled the attack and calm had returned by morning.

Armed men attacked a Nigerien Air Force base at Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport overnight, the state broadcaster reported. Security forces reportedly repelled the attackers and calm had returned by morning, with a heavy security presence near major roads to the airport. State media said four soldiers were injured, 20 attackers were killed and 11 others were arrested. The airline Air Côte d'Ivoire reported that one of its planes on the tarmac was hit during the incident. Reported facts: - The incident occurred within the airport premises around midnight and was reported to have involved explosions and heavy gunfire lasting about two hours. - State broadcaster reported that security forces responded by air and on land, that four Nigerien soldiers were injured, and that 20 attackers were killed and 11 arrested, many of whom were reported injured. - Air Côte d'Ivoire said an aircraft parked on the tarmac suffered bullet impacts to its fuselage and wing, and shared photos in a statement. - Residents and analysts reported the attack was suspected to be carried out by armed groups; one analyst suggested the attackers may have been targeting recently acquired Turkish drones. Summary: The reported attack occurred amid a broader increase in jihadi-linked violence in the Sahel and follows security shifts in Niger since the 2023 coup and reported escalations in 2025. Undetermined at this time.