ISIS Attacked Niger International Airport

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Images posted on social media show the moment ISIS-affiliated forces stormed the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, which, in addition to civilian flights, also hosts one of Niger’s most important air and military bases.

The attack, which took place on Friday morning, was officially claimed by ISIS hours later.

Following the attack, Niger’s ruling military council accused France, Benin, and the Ivory Coast of playing a role in or supporting the perpetrators of the operation, an accusation that comes amid rising tensions between Niger and some Western and neighboring countries.

According to a statement from the Niger Defense Ministry, a group referred to as “mercenaries” attacked Military Base 101 located on the airport grounds for about 30 minutes.

Nigerian Defense Minister General Salifou Mody said security forces had repelled the attackers with a simultaneous ground and air response.

Four Nigerian soldiers were injured, and an ammunition depot was set on fire during the clash, he said. The attackers also fired at three civilian aircraft as they retreated.

In return, security forces killed 20 of the attackers and arrested 11 others, many of whom were seriously injured.

Niamey International Airport is less than 10 kilometers from Niger’s presidential palace and is strategically one of the country’s most sensitive security centers. In addition to the air force base, the complex is home to a modern drone base and the headquarters of the joint force of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, a military coalition formed after the gradual withdrawal of French forces to combat terrorist groups in the Sahel region.