Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Niger Blames France, Allies for Airport Attack
Early on Thursday, January 29, 2024, there was a big fight with gunfire and explosions near the international airport in Niger's capital, Niamey.
The military leader of Niger, Abdourahamane Tiani, said that France, Benin, and Ivory Coast were behind the attack, but he didn't show any proof.
The fight lasted for over an hour, and a few planes were damaged, but no passengers were hurt.
The government said that a store of uranium at the airport was not affected.
Niger has been having trouble with attacks from groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, and the military leader thanked Russian troops for helping to defend the area.
Niger's military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring a terrorist attack on Niamey International Airport, without providing evidence.
The attack occurred shortly before midnight on January 29, 2024, with heavy gunfire lasting over an hour.
Two security sources described the incident as a 'terrorist attack,' and Niger's state television reported that one of the assailants killed was a French national, though no evidence was provided.
The store of uranium at the airport was unaffected, and two ASKY Airlines aircraft and one Air Cote d’Ivoire Airbus A319 sustained minor damage.
Tiani vowed retaliation and thanked Russian troops stationed at the base for their support, signaling further strain in relations with Western powers.
- Who
- Niger's military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani and unidentified assailants
- What
- A terrorist attack on Niamey International Airport
- When
- Shortly before midnight on January 29, 2024
- Where
- Niamey, Niger
- Why
- Unclear, but Tiani accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the attack
- Location
- Niamey, Niger
- Time
- Shortly before midnight, January 29, 2024
- Attack Type
- Terrorist attack (alleged)
- Casualties
- Several assailants killed, including one French national (unverified)
- Uranium Status
- Uranium store unaffected
- Aircraft Damage
- Minor damage to two ASKY Airlines aircraft and one Air Cote d’Ivoire Airbus A319
- Government Response
- Niger's military ruler vowed retaliation