Niamey in the headlines: Niger’s capital hit by alleged external-backed attack on its airport as Tiani blames France, Benin, Ivory Coast; city on the Niger River. Capital: Niamey, largest city of Niger.
A truck carrying Nigerien nationals returning from a religious festival in Mali has been found with dozens dead under and around it, more than 80 kilometers west of Assamaka near Niger's border with Mali and Algeria. Two survivors have trekked to safety and authorities are investigating the breakdown after the vehicle had travelled for days from Talhandek, Mali. A mass burial has taken place at the scene.
Attacks at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey have been mounted by gunmen, with security forces deployed to repel them. The authorities, noting previous IS activity in January, indicate ongoing jihadist threats in Niger and the Sahel region. Soldiers are conducting searches in the aftermath, while analysts warn the airport’s symbolic value could attract further attacks.