• Attack on Niamey airport left 11 soldiers and 2 civilians dead.
• 22 attackers killed and around 20 suspects apprehended by security forces.
• Incident occurred early morning after significant gunfire and explosions.
• International airport remains operational, though security has been heightened.
• Search for remaining attackers is ongoing amid rising jihadist threats.

An armed assault on the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 soldiers and 2 civilians, with 22 assailants reportedly killed by security forces during the engagement. The violence erupted shortly after 6 AM local time, characterized by heavy gunfire and explosions, according to multiple reports from the government and local witnesses, including Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and Africanews.

The Nigerien Defence Ministry confirmed that this attack, part of an ongoing struggle against jihadist violence in the Sahel, saw government forces responding effectively, managing to repel the gunmen and arrest about 20 suspects. The airport, which is strategically significant due to its military involvement, remains open to air traffic, despite the attack causing some operational disruptions, reports events from Los Angeles Times and Africanews.

Witnesses described a prolonged exchange of gunfire, with some reports indicating that the attackers had infiltrated the airport complex. An airport source mentioned that some assailants even arrived by taxi to a security checkpoint before launching their assault, as cited by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

In light of the incident, a large-scale security operation is underway, with military forces committed to locating any remaining attackers. The Nigerien government has intensified security around the airport, a site of previous attacks attributed to jihadist groups including the local affiliate of Islamic State. Despite the heightened measures, analysts express concerns regarding the persistent threat and the ineffectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies, uncited by Africanews and Los Angeles Times.