The Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey became the target of a devastating terrorist assault on the morning of June 18, 2026. Claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, Al-Qaeda’s Sahelian branch, the attack resulted in the deaths of 11 soldiers, two civilians, and 22 assailants, as confirmed by official authorities.
Sahel Union Condemns Brutal Assault
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, swiftly denounced the cowardly and treacherous assault near Niamey’s international airport. In a strongly worded statement, the AES highlighted the attackers’ clear objective: disrupting the operational capabilities of Niger’s armed forces and reversing recent military gains against terrorist groups in the region.
Foreign Backing Fuels Terrorist Strategy
According to the AES, the attack—responsible for the deaths of 11 troops and two civilians, along with 22 militants killed—represents yet another instance of terrorism fueled by foreign state sponsors. This pattern of violence, they argue, aims to destabilize the Sahel alliance and undermine regional security efforts.
The offensive follows a similar assault in January 2026 on the Niamey Air Base 101, located near the same airport. That incident triggered sharp diplomatic tensions, with Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani publicly implicating foreign leaders in alleged destabilization plots. The accusations sparked significant international debate and condemnation.
AES Vows Unwavering Resolve
Despite the recurring attacks, the AES remains steadfast in its commitment to collective security. In its declaration, the alliance emphasized that such orchestrated violence will only strengthen solidarity among its member states. Leaders affirmed that the shared vision of their heads of state—to protect territorial integrity, safeguard populations, and ensure lasting peace in the Sahel—will prevail in the face of adversity.