June 19, 2026
Flights resumed amid tight security Friday at the international airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, a day after a deadly attack on the sensitive site claimed by jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda.
Gunmen opened fire near the airport entrance’s security checkpoint early Thursday, triggering a long battle with security forces that spilled into the surrounding area and left at least 11 soldiers and two civilians dead, as well as 22 attackers, according to the defence ministry.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), Al-Qaeda’s branch in Africa’s Sahel region, claimed the attack — the second this year on the airport, after a January 29 assault claimed by the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS).
Tracking site Flightradar24 indicated multiple flights bound for Niamey had been rerouted or delayed after the unrest erupted, but sources said Friday normal operations had resumed, with a heavy security deployment.
