Motorcycle-riding militants launch strikes using heavy weaponry and drones, damaging planes belonging to Ivorian carrier and Togolese airline
The Islamic State in the Sahel has claimed responsibility for an audacious assault at the international airport and adjacent air force base in Niamey, the capital of Niger, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist activity and communications worldwide.
The attack, which began shortly after midnight on Thursday, reportedly involved motorcycle-riding militants who launched a “surprise and coordinated” strike using heavy weaponry and drones, according to statements released via the IS in the Sahel’s propaganda arm, Amaq News Agency.
The regional IS affiliate has been linked to high-profile attacks in Niger in recent months, killing over 120 people in strikes targeting the Tillaberi region in September, and abducting an American pilot in October.
The gunfire and explosions in the airport, which is about 10km (six miles) from the presidential palace and Base Aérienne 101, a military base previously used by US and then Russian troops, hit at least three planes: one belonging to Ivorian carrier Air Côte d’Ivoire and two belonging to Togolese airline Asky. A source at Asky told the Guardian that the airline staff were in their hotel away from the scene and remain in the city, with their passports still in the custody of the authorities.
