Al‑Qaeda Affiliate JNIM Claims Deadly Strike on Niamey Airport
West Africa’s al‑Qaeda‑linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) announced on Thursday that it was responsible for an assault on Niger’s primary airport and the nearby military airbase in the capital, Niamey. The Nigerien government confirmed that the raid resulted in the deaths of at least 11 soldiers and two civilians, bringing the total toll to 13 people.
The statement released by JNIM’s propaganda outlet Az‑Zallaqa declared that the group had “killed 11 security personnel and two civilians” during the operation. The claim aligns with the figures reported by Nigerien authorities, although some outlets initially cited only the 11 security casualties. The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in the country since the resurgence of militant activity in the Sahel region.
According to officials, the assault began in the early hours of Thursday, targeting the Diori Hamani International Airport and the military airstrip that serves the Nigerien armed forces. Gunfire and explosions were reported near the terminals and the adjoining military facilities, prompting a rapid response from security forces. The exact method of the attack—whether carried out by suicide bombers, armed militants, or a combination of tactics—has not been detailed in the available reports.
The incident occurs six months after a series of high‑profile attacks in Niger, including a major assault on a military base in the north that also was claimed by JNIM. The group, which operates under the broader al‑Qaeda network, has been active across the Sahel, exploiting porous borders and local grievances to expand its influence. Niger’s security situation has deteriorated since the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, with rebel and extremist groups exploiting the political vacuum.
