Post #28203

▪️ On the night of January 29, a group of militants (around 40 individuals) carried out an armed attackon Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital of Niger – Niamey, as well as on the nearby 101st Nigerien Air Force base, which hosts the operational command of the Joint Force of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). Responsibility for the terrorist attack was claimed by the Islamic State group operating in the Sahara-Sahel region. The attack was repelled through joint efforts by the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Niger. Around 20 terrorists were neutralized, and weapons and equipment belonging to the attackers were seized. President of the Republic of Niger Abdourahamane Tchiani and Minister of State for National Defense Salifou Modi visited the location of the Russian military personnel and personally expressed their gratitude for the high level of professionalism demonstrated. ❗️Moscow strongly condemns the extremist attack. A similar assault took place in September 2024 against the international airport in the capital of Mali. According to available information, external forces are involved in these terrorist actions, providing instructional and technical support. Russia intends to further develop its comprehensive cooperation with the AES states, including Niger, and will continue to make a constructive contribution to strengthening regional security and combating terrorism – including by assisting in enhancing the combat capability of national armed forces and through the training of military personnel and law-enforcement officers.