US embassy in Niger condemns terrorist attack on Niamey airport, military base

By Oumar Sankare

BAMAKO, Mali (AA) - The US Embassy in Niamey on Thursday condemned what it described as a terrorist attack targeting Diori Hamani International Airport and an adjacent military base in the Nigerien capital, calling the assault a threat to civilian safety and national security.

A statement issued by the embassy said the attack that took place overnight from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29 “targeted critical infrastructure and threatens the safety of civilians and those working to support stability and security in Niger.”

The embassy added that such violence undermines “peace and development,” as well as efforts of “Nigeriens and their partners to build a more secure and prosperous future.”

The US expressed “solidarity with the people and government of Niger,” reaffirming its opposition to terrorism and violent extremism.

No further details on casualties, perpetrators, or damage were provided in the statement.

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 in the Sahel.