In a brazen display of military might, the Islamic State’s affiliate in the Sahel has claimed responsibility for a coordinated attack on Niamey’s international airport and the adjacent military airbase. This incident, occurring shortly after midnight on Thursday, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the region, as militants mounted the assault using heavy weaponry and drones.
Coordinated Attack on Key Infrastructure
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as militants on motorcycles launched a surprise strike at the heart of Niger’s capital. The aerial bombardment and gunfire targeted not only the airport but also Base Aérienne 101, a military facility that has previously hosted both American and Russian forces. The assault damaged at least three aircraft: one belonging to Air Côte d’Ivoire and two operated by Togolese airline Asky. Fortunately, staff from the airlines were reported to be safe, as they were residing in a hotel at the time of the attack, with their passports currently held by authorities.
The Islamic State in the Sahel has ramped up its operations, having been linked to multiple deadly assaults in Niger over the past few months. In September, their violent campaign resulted in over 120 fatalities in the Tillaberi region, and in October, militants abducted an American pilot, highlighting their growing audacity and operational capacity.
Niger’s Junta Responds with Defiance
In the wake of the attack, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, head of Niger’s ruling junta, made a defiant statement on national television: “We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar.” This rhetoric signals a potential escalation in tensions not only with the jihadists but also with Niger’s neighbours, including Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as former colonial ruler France. Since the coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, Niger’s relationships with its regional partners have deteriorated significantly.
Following the coup, Niger exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and aligned itself with fellow military regimes in Burkina Faso and Mali to form the Association of Sahel States (AES). This coalition has positioned itself against what they perceive as French interference in regional governance and development, further complicating an already volatile situation.
Security Forces Strike Back
Nigerien authorities reported that security forces quickly responded to the attack, managing to repel the assailants. Initial reports indicate that 20 militants were killed in the confrontation, with an additional 11 captured. The government also claimed that a cache of ammunition was destroyed during the clash. However, the efficacy of such a response remains to be seen, given the increasing boldness of jihadist operations in the region.
Amidst this turmoil, a simultaneous drone strike by the Islamic State West Africa Province took place in Nigeria, targeting an army base in Borno state, which resulted in the deaths of at least nine soldiers and left several others injured. Such incidents illustrate the expansive reach and coordination of jihadist groups across the Sahel and Nigeria.
Why it Matters
The recent attack on Niger’s capital underscores the escalating threat posed by Islamic State affiliates in West Africa, as they exploit political instability and security vacuums to expand their influence. With the region’s leadership increasingly isolated and strained relations with traditional allies, the potential for further violence and instability looms large. This situation not only endangers lives but also threatens to derail any progress towards peace and security in a region already besieged by conflict and humanitarian crises. As Niger grapples with its internal challenges, the question remains: how will it confront a resurgent enemy while navigating a complex web of regional relationships?
