Gunmen attacked Niger's Niamey international airport, triggering a firefight and temporary disruption of operations; authorities have not immediately disclosed casualties or claimed responsibility.
Russia confirms its African Corps helped Nigerien forces repel an IS-linked attack on Niamey’s main airport, with 20 attackers killed and four Nigerien soldiers wounded; Niger’s junta welcomed Moscow’s involvement and the leader later visited a Russian base.
Islamic State in the Sahel claimed responsibility for a midnight, coordinated assault on Niamey’s international airport and nearby air force base, using motorcycle troops, heavy weapons and drones. The attack damaged three planes (Air Côte d’Ivoire and two Asky jets) as security forces repelled the assault, killing about 20 attackers and arresting 11; authorities said the operation was thwarted and noted a cache of ammunition burning. The incident highlights widening jihadist activity in the Sahel amid Niger’s junta-led crisis and shifting regional alignments.
Suspected jihadists attacked Diori Hamani International Airport near Niamey, injuring four Nigerien troops and killing about 20 attackers; a French national was among the dead, 11 suspects were arrested, and airport operations were briefly disrupted before resuming. Niger's junta praised Russia's help and accused France and regional leaders of backing the attackers, highlighting ongoing security tensions in the region.
Heavily armed gangs in Haiti attempted to seize control of the main international airport, engaging in gunfire with police and soldiers. This attack follows a surge in violence, including a mass prison escape and ongoing clashes with government forces. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who recently postponed elections, faces calls for resignation as the country grapples with escalating gang violence and instability.
Iraq has demanded an apology from Turkey over an attack on an airport in the country's northern Kurdish region. A US official confirmed that the attack was on a convoy with US military personnel in the area but said there were no casualties. Turkey has conducted several military operations including air raids in northern Iraq and northern Syria against Kurdish-led forces there. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is backed by the United States, said in a statement on Saturday that its leader, Mazloum Abdi, was at the Sulaimaniyah airport at the time of the attack but "no harm was done".