Diori Hamani International Airport attack
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IS tactical victory
- IS destroys at least 5 military aircraft.
changes IS temporarily occupies airport facilities before withdrawing
| Diori Hamani International Airport attack | |||||||||
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| Part of the Islamist insurgency in Niger and Islamic State-linked attacks in 2026 | |||||||||
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 Islamic State | |||||||||
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On 29 January 2026, the Islamic State's Sahel Province[3] and West Africa Province[4] launched a large scale attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger.[5][6][7][8] The attack resulted in the deaths of twenty IS fighters and the capture of eleven others.[9]
In 2025, militants affiliated with the Al Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State (IS) stepped up their campaigns across the Sahel, placing additional strain on the region’s already fragile security environment. The escalation further weakened stability in Niger, which had been a key security partner of Western countries until the military coup in 2023.[10]
Attack
In the early hours of 29 January 2026, heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in the capital around the airport and the adjacent military base. A group of 30+ militants,[11] reportedly riding motorcycles, using drones and mortars, launched a coordinated assault on Air Base 101 and the civilian side.[9] The attack continued for 2 hours before Nigerien ground and air forces, with support from the Russian Africa Corps[11] stationed at the base, regained control of the site 20 minutes after engaging the militants.[3][12][5]
A passenger plane operated by Air Côte d'Ivoire, located on the tarmac of the airport, was attacked during the clashes, resulting in damage to the aircraft's fuselage and right wing.[13][14] Two Asky Airlines planes were also damaged.[4][15]
According to the Nigerien government, 20 attackers were killed and 11 were captured[9]; four Nigerien soldiers were wounded during the engagement. At least five military aircraft, including one helicopter, were destroyed during the attack.[16]
Some sources alleged a much higher death toll for both Nigerien and Russian security forces. According to unofficial reports, 24 Nigerien soldiers and three Russian mercenaries were killed in the clashes. This estimate remains unconfirmed.[4]
Islamic State involvement
The Islamic State-linked Amaq News Agency claimed that its militants had carried out a "surprise and coordinated attack" on the airport in Niamey. IS claimed the attack had caused "significant damage", later releasing photos and a video of the assault.[5]
Analysts have noted Hausa and Kanuri speakers in footage recorded by Amaq News Agency, two languages spoken mainly in Nigeria. Which could indicate cooperation between the Sahel and West Africa Provinces during the assault.[4]
