IS Claims Coordinated Niamey Airport and Air Base Strike in Niger
Islamic State in the Sahel claimed responsibility for a midnight, coordinated assault on Niamey’s international airport and nearby air force base, using motorcycle troops, heavy weapons and drones. The attack damaged three planes (Air Côte d’Ivoire and two Asky jets) as security forces repelled the assault, killing about 20 attackers and arresting 11; authorities said the operation was thwarted and noted a cache of ammunition burning. The incident highlights widening jihadist activity in the Sahel amid Niger’s junta-led crisis and shifting regional alignments.