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The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has condemned an attack on Air Base 101 and Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
News Central had earlier reported that loud explosions and heavy gunfire were heard late Thursday near Niamey’s international airport.
A witness told Reuters that the gunfire started nearly an hour earlier and was still ongoing as of 0012 GMT.
Videos shared on X showed flashes of light over the city’s night skyline, along with loud blasts. Other images showed flames and burnt vehicles several metres high.
Later, the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks extremist activity worldwide, said on Friday that the Islamic State was responsible for the attack.
Reacting on Sunday, the AES described the incident as “barbaric” and a threat to regional security.
The group said the attack was planned and coordinated, noting that both military and civilian sites were hit, putting civilians and property at serious risk.
“This was clearly a premeditated, coordinated, and indiscriminate attack, targeting both strategic infrastructure and civilian facilities, seriously endangering innocent civilians and civilian property,” the statement said.
“The Confederation of Sahel States condemns in the strongest possible terms these cowardly, barbaric, and indiscriminate acts against not only a member state but also collective security, regional stability, and the joint efforts for peace and development undertaken by the Sahelian peoples.”
The bloc said the violence cannot be reduced to “mere isolated incidents”.
“It is part of a destabilisation strategy fuelled and maintained by multifaceted support networks, including direct and indirect support, notably from foreign state sponsors, whose moral and political responsibility is fully engaged,” it noted.
The AES warned against “any complicity, manipulation, or support, in any form whatsoever, for these criminal enterprises.”
“The perpetrators of this violence, as well as all those who finance, arm, inform, or politically support them, will be held accountable for their actions,” the statement said.
The bloc noted its member states remain united, vigilant, and resolutely committed to a coordinated, sovereign, and determined fight against terrorism and its supporters, whoever they may be.
It also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Niger and praised Niger’s defence and security forces for their response.
The AES said the attack would not diminish the “determination of the Sahelian peoples to defend their sovereignty, protect their populations, and build a future based on peace, justice, and genuine independence.”
