The U.S. Embassy in Niamey has issued a strong condemnation following a sophisticated armed attack on Diori Hamani International Airport and the adjacent Air Base 101.
The assault, which took place on the night of January 28–29, 2026, was officially claimed by the Islamic State group through its Amaq propaganda agency. Washington described the operation as a direct threat to the stability and development of Niger, reiterating its opposition to all forms of violent extremism while expressing solidarity with the Nigerien people.
The attack began around midnight when dozens of assailants, reportedly using motorcycles with their headlights off, attempted to infiltrate the high-security complex. According to the Nigerien Ministry of Defense, security forces engaged in a fierce thirty-minute firefight, supported by Russian personnel from the Africa Corps stationed at the base. While the military successfully repelled the attackers—killing 20 and capturing 11—the engagement left four soldiers wounded and caused significant material damage. Three civilian aircraft, including an Air Côte d’Ivoire plane, were hit by gunfire, and an ammunition depot was ignited during the clashes.
The incident has sparked a major diplomatic rift within the region. Following a site visit, President Abdourahamane Tiani publicly accused the leaders of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of “sponsoring” the mercenaries behind the assault, though he provided no evidence for these claims. Officials in Abidjan and Cotonou swiftly rejected the allegations, calling them a serious affront to their national dignity and a diversion from the growing security challenges in the Sahel. Despite these political tensions, the U.S. Embassy emphasized its commitment to regional security, stating that American authorities will continue to support defense capabilities to prevent similar incursions in the future.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA