Terror attack at Niamey airport highlights foreign backers in Sahel

The Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey became the target of a brazen terror attack early Thursday morning, June 18, 2026. The assault, claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims—Al-Qaïda’s Sahelian affiliate—resulted in the deaths of 11 soldiers, two civilians, and 22 assailants, according to official figures.

By Henri Nkeng — Reporter