Islamic State claims attack on Niamey international airport and air base

Islamic State in the Sahel has claimed responsibility for an assault at Niamey international airport and the adjacent air force base in Niger’s capital, the SITE Intelligence Group said. The attack began shortly after midnight on Thursday. The assault reportedly involved motorcycle-riding militants who launched a "surprise and coordinated" strike using heavy weaponry and drones, according to statements released via IS in the Sahel’s propaganda arm, Amaq news agency.

Gunfire and explosions struck at least three planes: one belonging to Ivorian carrier Air Côte d’Ivoire and two belonging to the Togolese airline Asky. A source at Asky said airline staff were in their hotel away from the scene and that their passports remained in the custody of the authorities.

Nigerien authorities said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and that security forces quickly repelled their advance, killing 20 of the attackers and arresting 11 others; a stash of ammunition also caught fire, the government said. The airport is about 6 miles (10km) from the presidential palace and Base Aérienne 101, a military base previously used by US and then Russian troops.

The regional IS affiliate has been linked to earlier high-profile attacks in Niger, including strikes in the Tillabéri region in September that killed more than 120 people and the abduction of an American pilot in October.

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