Diori Hamani International Airport attack

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Diori Hamani International Airport attack
Part of the Islamist insurgency in Niger and Nigeria and Islamic State-linked attacks in 2026
Diori Hamani International Airport attack.png
Footage of the attack released by the Islamic State-linked Amaq News Agency
Date29 January 2026
Location
Air Base 101, Diori Hamani International Airport, Niamey, Niger
Result

Islamic State tactical victory

  • The Islamic State destroyed at least 5 military aircraft.
Territorial
changes
  • The Islamic State temporarily occupies airport facilities before withdrawing.
Belligerents
Islamic State flag.svg Islamic State Flag of Niger.svg Niger
Flag of Russia.svg Russia [1]
Commanders and leaders
Islamic State flag.svg Unknown Flag of Niger.svg General Abdourahamane Tiani
Flag of Niger.svg Defence Minister Salifou Modi
Units involved
Casualties and losses
Per Niger:
Islamic State flag.svg 20 killed
Islamic State flag.svg 11 captured		Per Niger:
Flag of Niger.svg 4 injured
Allegedly:
Flag of Niger.svg 24 killed
Flag of Niger.svg Multiple aircraft destroyed
Flag of Russia.svg 4 killed

On 29 January 2026, the Islamic State's Sahel Province [3] and West Africa Province [4] launched a large scale attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger. [5] [6] [7] [8] The attack resulted in the deaths of twenty IS fighters and the capture of eleven others. [9]

Contents

Background

In 2025, militants affiliated with the Al Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State (IS) stepped up their campaigns across the Sahel, placing additional strain on the region’s already fragile security environment. The escalation further weakened stability in Niger, which had been a key security partner of Western countries until the military coup in 2023. [10]

Attack

In the early hours of 29 January 2026, heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in the capital around the airport and the adjacent military base. A group of 30+ militants, [11] reportedly riding motorcycles, using drones and mortars, launched a coordinated assault on Air Base 101 and the civilian side. [9] The attack continued for 2 hours before Nigerien ground and air forces, with support from the Russian Africa Corps [11] stationed at the base, regained control of the site 20 minutes after engaging the militants. [3] [12] [5]

According to the Nigerien government, 20 attackers were killed and 11 were captured [9] ; four Nigerien soldiers were wounded during the engagement. At least five military aircraft, including one helicopter, were destroyed during the attack. [13]

A passenger plane operated by Air Côte d'Ivoire, located on the tarmac of the airport, was attacked during the clashes, resulting in damage to the aircraft's fuselage and right wing. [14] [15] Two Asky Airlines planes were also damaged. [4] [16]

Some sources alleged a much higher death toll for both Nigerien and Russian security forces. According to unofficial reports, 24 Nigerien soldiers and three Russian mercenaries were killed in the clashes. This estimate remains unconfirmed. [4]

Islamic State involvement

The Islamic State-linked Amaq News Agency claimed that its militants had carried out a "surprise and coordinated attack" on the airport in Niamey. IS claimed the attack had caused "significant damage", later releasing photos and a video of the assault. [5]

Analysts have noted Hausa and Kanuri speakers in footage recorded by Amaq News Agency, two languages spoken mainly in Nigeria. Which could indicate cooperation between the Sahel and West Africa Provinces during the assault. [4]

Reactions

Niger’s military government accused France, Benin, and the Ivory Coast of allegedly sponsoring the attack. General Abdourahamane Tiani, who came to power following a coup in 2023, made the allegations in a televised address, naming French President Emmanuel Macron, Beninese President Patrice Talon, and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. No evidence was presented to support the claims. [17]

On 30 January 2026, the United States added Niger to the Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ list, which warns of armed conflict and terrorism that can harm foreigners. [18]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Jazeera, Al. "Moscow confirms Russian forces helped repel ISIL attack on Niger airport". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  2. ↑ Jazeera, Al. "Moscow confirms Russian forces helped repel ISIL attack on Niger airport". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Niamey Airport Attack: Islamic State Claims Responsibility | African Security Analysis". www.africansecurityanalysis.org. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Weiss, Caleb (2 February 2026). "Islamic State video details extent of attack in Niamey". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 Staff, Al Jazeera. "ISIL claims responsibility for Niger airport attack". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  6. ↑ "Gunfire and explosions heard near airport in Niger's capital, residents say". France 24. 29 January 2026. Archived from the original on 30 January 2026. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
  7. ↑ Fides, Agenzia. "AFRICA/NIGER – Attack on Niamey Airport, where there are a thousand tons of uranium – Agenzia Fides". www.fides.org. Archived from the original on 30 January 2026. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
  8. ↑ Presse, AFP-Agence France. "What We Know About Niger Airport Attack". barrons. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 perceptions, african (30 January 2026). "Attack on Niamey Airport Sparks Regional Diplomatic Crisis as Niger Accuses Neighbors and France". African Percentions. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  10. ↑ "Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on air force base in Niger's capital". AP News. 30 January 2026. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
  11. 1 2 Weiss, Caleb (1 February 2026). "Islamic State claims assault on airport in Niger's capital". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
  12. ↑ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  13. ↑ "Multiple aircraft destroyed by Islamic State during brazen attack on Nigerien air base". Defence Web.
  14. ↑ "Explosions and heavy gunfire heard overnight near Niger's main airport in the capital". AP News. 29 January 2026. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
  15. ↑ Staff, Al Jazeera. "Niger military gov't says France, Benin, Ivory Coast behind airport attack". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 30 January 2026. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  16. ↑ "Niger attack endangered uranium stockpile near main airport". MINING.COM. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
  17. ↑ Staff, Al Jazeera. "Niger military gov't says France, Benin, Ivory Coast behind airport attack". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
  18. ↑ Israel, Doris Ijeoma (1 February 2026). "US Warns Against Travel To Niger Amid Rising Insecurity". Naija News. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
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