Suspected jihadists have launched an attack on the international airport outside Niger's capital, Niamey, raising concerns about regional security. The incident, which occurred overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, involved sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions, prompting a swift response from the country's defense forces. According to Niger's defense ministry, four military personnel were injured, and 20 attackers were killed. State television reported that a French national was among the attackers, and 11 arrests were made. The head of Niger's junta, General Abdourahamane Tiani, praised the Russian partners for their help in foiling the attack and accused the presidents of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of supporting the attackers. The military, which seized power in a July 2023 coup, has had frosty relations with France and Benin, regularly accusing them of trying to destabilize the country. The attack has also highlighted the ongoing tensions between Niger and France, with the junta cutting military ties with France and instead working with Russia to tackle Islamist fighters in the region. The airport houses an air force base and is about 10km from the presidential place. Local residents described their fear as they heard the gunshots and explosions, and several flights bound for Niamey were diverted. The attack did not harm a huge uranium shipment destined for export, which has been stuck at the airport due to unresolved legal and diplomatic complications with France after the military government nationalized the country's uranium mines. The incident underscores the complex security challenges facing Niger, a major producer of uranium, and the potential impact on regional stability.
