Nigerien Security Forces Repel Attack on Diori Hamani International Airport

NIGER — Nigerien security forces repelled an armed attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on June 18.

The al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attack via its Az-Zallaqa Foundation media arm, according to the group’s statement and Nigerien authorities.

The attack, which began around 6 a.m. local time, killed 11 security personnel and two civilians and continued for approximately two hours until forces contained it near 8 a.m.

Niger’s defense ministry said that forces killed 22 attackers and arrested about 20 suspects while seizing weapons including rocket-propelled grenade launchers, AK-47 rifles, explosives, grenades, communications equipment, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Four civilians were wounded in the attack. The Government of Niger announced later on June 18 that the incident had concluded and that the airport had returned to normal operations.

In a separate incident on January 29, fighters from the Islamic State Sahel Province attacked the same airport complex and adjacent airbase.

Nigerien authorities reported that the head of the military junta said that France, Benin, and Ivory Coast had sponsored the June 18 assault and thanked soldiers along with Russian partners for repelling it.

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a statement on June 19 condemning the attack and commending Niger’s security and defense forces.

A U.S. Embassy security alert update reported on June 18 that the incident had concluded and that U.S. government personnel were again subject to routine travel restrictions under the Niger Travel Advisory.

Niger Government Response and Casualty Figures

Niger’s defense ministry reported the attack targeted both the civilian airport and the neighboring military airbase. Forces conducted a large-scale operation that secured the facility and restored air traffic the same day.

The ministry placed the preliminary toll at 11 soldiers and two civilians killed plus four wounded. Twenty-two attackers died during the engagement and roughly 20 suspects were taken into custody.

U.S. Embassy Actions and Statements

The U.S. Embassy released a security alert on June 18 advising personnel to avoid the airport area. An update later that day confirmed the incident had ended and returned personnel to routine movement restrictions.

On June 19 the Embassy issued a full statement condemning the attack, supporting Niger’s efforts to protect citizens and infrastructure, and reiterating opposition to terrorism and violent extremism. The update confirmed the airport had returned to normal operations, per the U.S. Embassy.

What to Watch

• Nigerien defense ministry releases naming arrested suspects or detailing any external links identified in interrogations.

• U.S. Embassy Niger Travel Advisory updates or additional security alerts.

• Further statements from the Az-Zallaqa Foundation on JNIM operational claims or future intent.

• Public remarks by Niger’s military junta leader on foreign involvement allegations.

• Flight data and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) changes confirming sustained normal operations at Diori Hamani International Airport.

• African Union or regional partner statements on the incident.

Official Statements

• U.S. Embassy Niamey, June 19 statement: “[Niamey, Niger] – The U.S. Embassy in Niamey condemns the June 18 attack at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey. We commend the response by Niger’s Security and Defense Forces, who acted to repel the attack and protect civilians and critical infrastructure.

• The United States strongly opposes terrorism and violent extremism in all forms. Attacks on critical infrastructure threaten civilians, weaken stability, and harm efforts to build a safer and more secure Niger.

• The United States stands with the people of Niger. We support Niger’s efforts to protect its citizens, defend key infrastructure, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.

• Niger plays an important role in the Sahel. Stronger security in Niger helps counter regional threats that can harm both Nigerien and American interests. The U.S. Government remains committed to working with Niger to counter terrorism, support stability, and promote accountability under the law.

• The U.S. Embassy will continue to follow official updates from Nigerien authorities as the situation develops.”

• U.S. Embassy Niamey Security Alert Update, June 18: “The security incident previously reported in the vicinity of Diori Hamani International Airport has concluded. The Government of Niger has confirmed that the airport has returned to normal operations. U.S. government personnel in Niger are again subject to routine travel restrictions detailed in the Niger Travel Advisory. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to review the current advisory and routinely check for updates.”

• Niger’s defense ministry issued a statement read on national television on June 18 reporting the casualties, arrests, and restoration of airport operations. Full verbatim text of that ministry statement has not been published in official English channels as of this report.