Niamey’s gateway, home to Niger’s armed forces air base
Nigerien forces have repelled an early‑morning assault on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey. The defence ministry has said 11 soldiers and two civilians have been killed, 22 attackers have been killed and about 20 suspects have been arrested. The airport has remained open and security sweeps are continuing.
Militants linked to al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility for an attack at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, killing soldiers and civilians. The assault marks the airport’s second strike this year and underscores growing urban reach of jihadist groups in the Sahel, with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso locked in militant competition.
Soldiers have attacked Base 101 at Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport and fired on sites near the presidential district overnight, triggering hours of clashes with forces loyal to junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani. State television briefly went off air. Authorities have said security forces are regaining control after Russia’s Africa Corps intervened and dozens of mutineers were killed or detained.
Mutineers at Base 101 in Niamey have been neutralized with Russian Africa Corps ground and air support. The junta maintains control as investigations begin. Analysts warn of ongoing security risks and greater Moscow influence in the Sahel.
Niger's military government has named Brig. Gen. Mamane Sani Kiaou as chief of staff, replacing Maj. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, following a mutiny in Niamey that lasted nearly 24 hours. Abdourahamane Tchiani's junta has also promoted Abdourahamane Abou Zataka to army chief of staff, with Sidi Omar named to the general staff's second-in-command role. Russia's Africa Corps provided ground and air support during the unrest.