The government of Niger has announced that it successfully thwarted an attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey early Thursday morning, an incident claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims.
In an official statement broadcast on national television, authorities said armed assailants attempted to infiltrate the airport area around 6 a.m. but were intercepted by security forces before reaching the terminal.
The Ministry of Defence reported 13 deaths, including 11 members of the defence and security forces and two civilians, with 22 attackers reportedly neutralized and several arrests made.
Authorities also said weapons, vehicles, and explosives were seized during the operation, while a search operation is still ongoing in the area.
The government praised the response of security forces and declared the airport secure and operational, while also reiterating its call for public vigilance amid ongoing threats in the Sahel region.
