By Oumar Sankare
BAMAKO, Mali (AA) - The Daesh terror group has claimed responsibility for an attack on Niger’s main airport near the nation’s capital, the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors terror agents and communications, said Friday.
The attack took place shortly after midnight between Wednesday and Thursday at the Diori Hamani International Airport, which also houses an air force base and lies about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the presidential palace. Residents reported gunfire and explosions for about an hour before calm was restored.
Niger’s military authorities said 20 attackers were killed during the fighting, while four soldiers were wounded. They also reported that several assailants were arrested.
The SITE Intelligence Group quoted a statement by the group’s propaganda outlet, Aqma, that said “IS (Daesh) fighters were behind the operation at the military base at the Diori Hamani International Airport,” and the attack caused “significant damage.”
Niger’s ruling military junta accused the presidents of Benin, France and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the assailants, allegations that have not been substantiated.
Niger has faced violence from terror groups for more than a decade, particularly in its western and southeastern regions, including from the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and IS in the Sahel.
Attacks of the magnitude near the capital are rare, highlighting security challenges despite sustained military operations by authorities and their partners.