Diori Hamani International Airport attack
| Diori Hamani International Airport attack | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Islamist insurgency in Niger and Nigeria and Islamic State-linked attacks in 2026 | |||||||||
 Footage of the attack released by the Islamic State-linked Amaq News Agency | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Islamic State |
 Niger Russia[1] | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Unknown |
General Abdourahamane Tiani Defence Minister Salifou Modi | ||||||||
| Units involved | |||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
|
Per Niger: 20 killed 11 captured |
Per Niger: 4 injured Allegedly: 24 Killed 4 killed | ||||||||
On 29 January 2026, the Islamic State – Sahel Province (ISSP)[3] launched a large scale attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger.[4][5][6][7] The attack resulted in the deaths of twenty ISSP fighters and the capture of eleven others.[8]
Background
[edit]In 2025, militants affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State stepped up their campaigns across the Sahel, placing additional strain on the region’s already fragile security environment. The escalation further weakened stability in Niger, which had been a key security partner of Western countries until the military coup in 2023.[9]
Attack
[edit]In the early hours of 29 January 2026, heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around the airport and the adjacent military base. A group of 30+ militants[10], reportedly riding motorcycles, using drones and mortars, launched a coordinated assault on Air Base 101 and the civilian side.[8] According to Defence Minister Salifou Modi, fighting continued for 30 minutes before Nigerien ground and air forces, with support from the Russian Africa Corps[10] stationed at the base, regained control of the site.[11][4]
According to the Nigerien Government, 20 attackers were killed and 11 were captured[8]; four Nigerien soldiers were wounded during the engagement. A plane operated by Air Côte d'Ivoire, located on the tarmac of the airport, was attacked during the clashes, resulting in damage to the aircraft's fuselage and right wing.[12][13] Two Asky Airlines planes and a helicopter were also damaged.[14][15]
Some sources alleged a much higher death toll for both Nigerien and Russian security forces. According to unofficial reports, 24 Nigerien soldiers and three Russian mercenaries were killed in the clashes. This estimate remains unconfirmed.[14]
Islamic State involvement
[edit]The Islamic State-linked Amaq News Agency claimed that its militants had carried out a "surprise and coordinated attack" on the airport in Niamey. ISSP claimed the attack had caused "significant damage", later releasing photos and a video of the assault.[4]
Analysts have noted Hausa and Kanuri speakers in footage recorded by Amaq New Agency, two languages spoken mainly in Nigeria. Which could indicate cooperation between the Sahel and West Africa Provinces during the assault.[14]
Reactions
[edit]Niger’s military government accused France, Benin, and the Ivory Coast of allegedly sponsoring the attack. General Abdourahamane Tiani, who came to power following a coup in 2023, made the allegations in a televised address, naming French President Emmanuel Macron, Beninese President Patrice Talon, and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. No evidence was presented to support the claims.[16]
On 30 January 2026, the United States added Niger to the Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ list, which warns of armed conflict and terrorism that can harm foreigners.[17]
References
[edit]- ^ Jazeera, Al. "Moscow confirms Russian forces helped repel ISIL attack on Niger airport". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ^ Jazeera, Al. "Moscow confirms Russian forces helped repel ISIL attack on Niger airport". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ^ "Niamey Airport Attack: Islamic State Claims Responsibility | African Security Analysis". www.africansecurityanalysis.org. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
- ^ a b c Staff, Al Jazeera. "ISIL claims responsibility for Niger airport attack". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ^ "Gunfire and explosions heard near airport in Niger's capital, residents say". France 24. 29 January 2026. Archived from the original on 30 January 2026. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
- ^ Fides, Agenzia. "AFRICA/NIGER – Attack on Niamey Airport, where there are a thousand tons of uranium – Agenzia Fides". www.fides.org. Archived from the original on 30 January 2026. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
- ^ Presse, AFP-Agence France. "What We Know About Niger Airport Attack". barrons. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ^ a b c perceptions, african (30 January 2026). "Attack on Niamey Airport Sparks Regional Diplomatic Crisis as Niger Accuses Neighbors and France". African Percentions. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ^ "Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on air force base in Niger's capital". AP News. 30 January 2026. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
- ^ a b Weiss, Caleb (1 February 2026). "Islamic State claims assault on airport in Niger's capital". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
- ^ "Explosions and heavy gunfire heard overnight near Niger's main airport in the capital". AP News. 29 January 2026. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
- ^ Staff, Al Jazeera. "Niger military gov't says France, Benin, Ivory Coast behind airport attack". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 30 January 2026. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ^ a b c Weiss, Caleb (2 February 2026). "Islamic State video details extent of attack in Niamey". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ^ "Niger attack endangered uranium stockpile near main airport". MINING.COM. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
- ^ Staff, Al Jazeera. "Niger military gov't says France, Benin, Ivory Coast behind airport attack". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
- ^ Israel, Doris Ijeoma (1 February 2026). "US Warns Against Travel To Niger Amid Rising Insecurity". Naija News. Retrieved 2 February 2026.