The attack, claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GAIM), left 13 dead, 11 of them military personnel, and caused damage to the facility, which, however, is operating normally, although with a reinforced military presence.

GAIM, loyal to the Al-Qaeda network, described the operation as a “suicide attack.”

The sound of gunfire and explosions caused uncertainty among residents of this capital city due to reports suggesting it could be an attempted coup.

For its part, the Nigerien Ministry of Defense stated in a press release that the attack lasted approximately 10 minutes and began when suicide bombers attempted to storm the airport terminal’s waiting area and detonated the explosive belts they were wearing.

The statement confirmed that 22 of the attackers were killed and 20 suspects were arrested.

The African Union condemned the attack, calling it a terrorist act and noting that the Nigerien airport has been the target of similar attacks in the past.

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