Niamey airport attack: JNIM claims responsibility as Nigerien authorities point to France

Further details have emerged regarding the terrorist assault that targeted a military installation located within Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Following the incident, the Nigerien army issued an official statement outlining the situation after extensive sweep operations. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an organization with ties to Al-Qaïda, swiftly claimed responsibility for the aggression. However, the nation’s Defense and Security Forces successfully repelled the attack after more than two hours of intense combat.