35 killed as attackers try to storm airport in Niger’s capital

At least 35 were killed when armed attackers tried to storm the terminal at the international airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, before security forces repelled the assault, authorities said. The dead included 11 members of the security forces, two civilians and 22 assailants.

The attack targeted Diori Hamani International Airport, the main airport in Niamey, where the defense ministry said attackers arrived in two taxis and a van before trying to enter the terminal.

The ministry said the airport was “totally secured” after the attack and remains open to air traffic.

Those killed included 11 members of Niger’s defense and security forces and two civilians, according to the ministry. Four other people were wounded.

Security forces killed 22 attackers and detained about 20 suspects, the ministry said. A large operation remains underway to track down and neutralize any remaining attackers.

The ministry said forces recovered weapons and other equipment, including RPG-7 launchers, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, ammunition, loaded magazines, VHF radios, mobile phones, two taxis and a van.

Al Jazeera, citing sources earlier in the day, reported that soldiers fought suspected rebels around the airport and a nearby military airbase after gunmen attacked the complex at about 6 a.m. local time.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the latest attack. An ISIL affiliate in the region claimed responsibility for an attack on the same airport complex in January, when Nigerien authorities said 20 fighters were killed and four soldiers were wounded.