Flights resume at Niger airport following attack

Flights resumed Friday at Niger’s main international airport in Niamey, a day after a gun attack that killed 33 people.

Gunmen opened fire near the airport’s security checkpoint early Thursday, triggering a prolonged battle with security forces. The defence ministry said 11 soldiers, two civilians and 22 attackers were killed.

Al-Qaeda’s Sahel branch, JNIM, claimed responsibility for the attack. It was the second assault on the airport this year, following a January 29 attack claimed by a Daesh-affiliated group.

Flightradar24 showed multiple flights were rerouted or delayed after the unrest. An airport source confirmed normal operations had resumed with reinforced security. An airline employee said two flights had arrived on Thursday after security forces repelled the attack.

The defence ministry said the attackers dispersed into surrounding neighbourhoods, where residents helped security forces pursue them. Around 20 suspects were arrested, officials said.

Niamey announced widespread security checks on the city’s roads.

The airport is a sensitive facility. Between December and January, a large cargo of concentrated uranium was blocked at the airport while waiting for export. No further movement of that cargo has been reported.

In the January attack, 20 assailants were killed and four soldiers wounded, authorities said.

SOURCE: AFP