AU Condemns Niger Airport Attack as Security Tightens

The African Union has condemned an armed attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, and praised Nigerien security forces for repelling the assailants.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the June 18 assault as a terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with Niger’s government and people.

Niger’s government said 11 security personnel and two civilians were killed in the attack, while 22 assailants were also killed. Authorities said 20 suspects were arrested and weapons and ammunition were recovered.

Security was tightened around key installations in Niamey after the attack. Personnel were deployed around strategic government facilities, including the presidential palace and the prime minister’s office.

The airport resumed normal operations within hours, according to officials cited by AP.

The attack was the second major assault on the airport this year. In January, armed individuals targeted the same airport and a nearby military facility.

No group had claimed responsibility for the June 18 attack at the time of reporting.

The AU said it remained committed to supporting Niger’s efforts to combat terrorism and maintain stability.

The full circumstances of the attack and the identities of all suspects have not yet been made public.

SOURCE: African Union, AllAfrica, Reuters, AP