Militants strike Niger airport

Footage released by Islamic State’s Amaq channel shows militants attacking Niger’s main international airport, moving across the tarmac on foot and motorcycles, firing into the air and setting off explosions near parked aircraft and a helicopter. Video shows a cache of ammunition and an unmanned aerial vehicle or helicopter engulfed in flames.

Witnesses and officials described militants roaming the apron with little immediate resistance, damaging airport property, targeting security forces and spreading panic among staff and residents. Nigerien authorities said security forces fought back, killed dozens of attackers and arrested suspects, and reported injuries among soldiers; exact casualty figures remain unclear. Airlines reported damage to several parked civilian aircraft but no passenger fatalities on flights.

The strike has intensified international concern over Niger’s security, prompting the United States to order non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave the country. Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, accused the presidents of Benin and Ivory Coast and France of sponsoring the attack, an allegation those governments denied; Ivory Coast summoned Niger’s ambassador to protest. The incident has fueled debate about the country’s shifting foreign partnerships, including growing cooperation with Russia, and the capacity of Niger’s security forces after cuts to Western ties.

Analysts warn the attack exposes serious vulnerabilities at critical infrastructure in the Sahel, where jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al‑Qaeda have expanded operations by exploiting porous borders, weak governance and local grievances. Aviation and security experts said airports are attractive high‑value targets because attacks attract global attention, disrupt travel and logistics, and undermine confidence in state control. Niger’s government announced investigations and pledged to reinforce protections and launch operations to pursue perpetrators, while international partners expressed concern and offered support. Observers caution that without improved intelligence, coordination and investment in security and governance, similar strikes could occur elsewhere in the region.