Nigerien security forces have successfully repelled an armed attack near a major airport in the country after intense gunfire erupted early in the morning.
According to witnesses, the attack began around 06:00 local time, with heavy gunfire heard near the airport entrance. Residents reported that the shooting lasted for approximately two hours, causing panic in the surrounding area.
One witness said he first heard the gunshots while attending prayers at a mosque but later learned that security forces had brought the situation under control.
Local residents told media outlets that the army responded quickly and forced the attackers to retreat. Security personnel are reportedly pursuing the fleeing assailants, some of whom abandoned their weapons during the escape.
Niger's Defence Ministry later confirmed that four military personnel were injured during the clash, while 20 attackers were killed.
No group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Niger has been battling militant Islamist insurgencies for more than a decade, and extremist groups linked to the so-called Islamic State have previously targeted the same airport. Earlier this year, suspected jihadist fighters launched a similar assault on the facility.
The attack comes as insecurity continues to worsen across the Sahel region, where Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have faced repeated attacks from armed extremist groups. The three countries are currently governed by military juntas that seized power partly on promises to improve security and defeat insurgent movements.
Authorities have not released further details about the identities of the attackers, but investigations and security operations remain ongoing as troops continue to search the area.
The latest incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing Niger despite ongoing military efforts to combat insurgent groups operating across the region.
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