Attack on airport and air force base in Niger's capital kills 13

An attack on Diori Hamani International Airport and nearby military facilities in Niamey, the capital of Niger, killed 11 members of the defense and security forces and two civilians, according to a statement issued by Niger's Ministry of Defense on Thursday, reported Xinhua.

The ministry said the assailants attempted to enter the airport terminal in the early hours of Thursday, but were stopped by security forces. During the ensuing operation, 22 attackers were killed and about 20 suspects were arrested. Security forces are continuing clearance operations in the area.

Earlier on Thursday, sustained gunfire was heard around Diori Hamani International Airport. Several local residents told Xinhua that the gunfire lasted for more than one hour. The area also hosts Niger's Air Force Base 101 as well as military-related installations linked to the Confederation of Sahel States.

Xinhua correspondent on the ground observed that normal order had largely returned to the capital by Thursday afternoon, with traffic flowing normally on major roads and no visible signs of disruption around the airport area. According to the Ministry of Defense, the airport has been fully secured and remains open to air traffic.

The area was previously targeted in an attack attributed to an extremist group in late January, during which Nigerien defense and security forces said at least 20 attackers were neutralized and 11 others were arrested.