Gunfire and explosions at Niamey’s airport

Reports from residents in Niamey say that a series of gunshots and blasts were heard at the main international airport early Thursday morning. The incident started at around 6:00 local time and continued for approximately two hours. Security forces responded quickly and have claimed that the attack was repelled.

Earlier, in January, the same airport was hit by a suspected jihadist assault that killed 20 attackers and injured four soldiers. In the aftermath, the defence ministry praised Russia for support, while accusing several West African governments of backing the attackers.

In recent weeks the government removed neighbourhoods close to the airport citing terrorism risks and upgraded security by extending the perimeter fence and adding more than 350 surveillance cameras.

Authorities have not yet released a statement about the latest attack, and no group has claimed responsibility, though a jihadist cell affiliated with the Islamic State announced it had carried out the January assault.

The incident underscores the ongoing instability in the Sahel, where Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali face a sustained Islamist insurgency.

Read about the January attack here: previous attack story.