**Foreign Sponsors Behind Niger Airport Attack, Says Sahel Alliance**
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has condemned a recent terrorist attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, labeling it a "cowardly and perfidious aggression" supported by "foreign state sponsors." The assault, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including 11 security personnel and two civilians. Additionally, four others sustained injuries, while Niger's Defense Ministry reported that 22 assailants were neutralized and approximately 20 suspects arrested.
The attack has been attributed to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of al-Qaeda, which claimed responsibility for the violence. In a statement released on Saturday, AES President Captain Ibrahim Traore characterized the incident as an "attempted takeover" of the airport, aimed at undermining the Nigerien armed forces and reversing recent gains made against militant groups in the Sahel region.
Traore emphasized the AES's strong condemnation of the attack, which he described as a manifestation of terrorist violence backed by foreign entities, although he refrained from naming specific countries involved. He asserted that such "recurring and remotely directed attacks" only serve to reinforce the unity of AES member states in their collective struggle to maintain territorial integrity, protect their populations, and foster lasting peace in the Sahel.
The AES, which includes Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, was established in 2023 to collaboratively tackle the jihadist insurgency that has plagued the region for over a decade, driven by armed groups linked to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. In recent years, these countries have expelled French troops previously stationed for counterterrorism efforts, citing a lack of effectiveness in combating the insurgency. They have since sought new defense partnerships, including with Russia.
In a show of solidarity, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the June 18 attack, framing it as an effort to destabilize the AES. The Diori Hamani International Airport, which also serves as a military base, was previously targeted by Islamic State fighters in January. During that incident, Nigerien forces reportedly killed 20 militants and arrested 11 others, with assistance from Russian forces aiding in the country's fight against insurgency.
The transitional leader of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has previously accused France, along with neighboring Benin and Ivory Coast, of being complicit in the violence. Benin has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that it does not serve as a logistical hub for French-backed operations. Relations between Benin and Niger have soured since the coup in Niamey in 2023; however, recent discussions in Cotonou have led to agreements aimed at economic and legal normalization and addressing mutual security concerns.
As the region grapples with ongoing security challenges, the AES remains focused on enhancing cooperation among its member states to combat terrorism and ensure stability in the Sahel.