Russian soldiers ‘helped to repel Niger airport attack’

MOSCOW: Russian soldiers helped to repel an attack on Niger’s main airport in the capital Niamey last week which was claimed by Daesh militants, Moscow said on Monday.

Niger’s ruling junta earlier said “Russian partners” helped to fend off the rare assault on the capital, which saw 20 attackers killed and four army soldiers wounded.

“The attack was repelled through the joint efforts of the Russian Ministry of Defense’s African Corps and the Nigerien armed forces,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Niger’s ruling junta earlier said ‘Russian partner’ helped to fend off the rare assault on the capital, which saw 20 attackers killed and four army soldiers wounded.

“Moscow strongly condemns this latest extremist attack,” it added.