Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger's capital Niamey witnessed clashes after an armed group attempted to infiltrate. The Defense Ministry announced that 11 soldiers and 2 civilians lost their lives in the attack.
According to the ministry's statement, armed individuals attempting to enter the airport confronted security forces. Twenty-two attackers were killed in the clashes, and around 20 people were detained.
Security restored at airport
The statement noted that security at the airport was brought back under control after the incident and flights continued. Thus, the main air transport hub in the capital resumed its operations.
The airport had previously been targeted in armed attacks on January 28 and 29. In that attack, it was reported that the aggressors entered the runway with vehicles and motorcycles, targeting equipment belonging to Niger's security forces and air force.
This latest attack has again raised questions about the security of strategic facilities in the capital. The fact that the same location was targeted twice in a short period, following the previous attack on the airport, has drawn attention.