The attack began late on the night of January 28 and lasted about 30 minutes. During this time, loud explosions and sustained gunfire were heard.
The Nigerien Defense Ministry said that 11 people were arrested after the attack ended and that a French national was among the 20 attackers killed.
On January 30, the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for coordinating an attack that it said targeted a Nigerien army base.
The IS-affiliated Amaq news agency reported “severe damage” at the airport, but did not give any casualty figures. Videos of the attack and witness statements indicate that Niger’s air defense intercepted the incoming missiles.
The airport resumed normal operations on Thursday and Nigerien officials praised Russian soldiers for helping to repel the attackers.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a military coup in Niger in July 2023, appeared on state television and accused the presidents of France, Benin and Ivory Coast of the attack. Tiani did not provide any evidence but announced retaliation.
“We heard them barking,” General Tiani said. “You should prepare to hear our roar.”
Recently, relations between Niger and France and its neighbors have deteriorated, and he accused these countries of being puppets of France.
General Tiani and the country’s military junta have close ties with Russia, which has helped the Nigerien army suppress the insurgency by terrorists linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Niger has close relations with Mali and Burkina Faso. These three countries formed the Sahel Union; They are all ruled by military governments and have largely broken off relations with the West.
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