(NIAMEY, NIGER) — A terrorist assault on Niamey International Airport has left at least 13 people dead, drawing swift condemnation from Egypt and the African Union.

The coordinated attack targeted Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital and a nearby military base.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement strongly condemning the violence. Cairo expressed solidarity with Niger’s government and people following what it described as a terrorist attack.

The ministry offered its “heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy” to Niger and the victims’ families. It wished a “speedy recovery” for those injured in the assault.

The Egyptian statement went beyond condolences. Cairo reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sahel countries in their fight against terrorism.

Egypt pledged continued backing for regional security initiatives across the Sahel. The region has seen extremist groups gain ground over the past decade.

The assault on Diori Hamani International Airport was described by multiple regional and official sources as a terrorist attack. The airport serves as Niger’s primary international aviation gateway.

Attackers struck both the civilian airport complex and a nearby military installation. The simultaneous nature of the strikes suggested a coordinated operation.

Casualty figures varied between official accounts. The African Union reported that 11 soldiers, two civilians, and 22 attackers were killed in the assault.

Niger’s defense ministry separately confirmed 13 people killed, including 11 soldiers. The ministry did not provide a full breakdown of casualties.

The African Union’s figure of 35 total deaths includes the attackers. Niger’s defense ministry count of 13 appears to exclude the 22 assailants reported killed.

Neither report specified the number of injured. The discrepancy in total fatalities between the two accounts could not be immediately reconciled.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of reporting. The Sahel region has experienced escalating violence from extremist groups in recent years.

Niger has faced repeated attacks on military and civilian targets despite serving as a regional security partner before its 2023 military coup.

Egypt’s condemnation reflects broader international concern over deteriorating security in the Sahel. The region has seen a wave of military coups in recent years, including in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Each transition has disrupted established counterterrorism partnerships with Western nations.

The attack on a major airport raises particular concern for aviation security. Diori Hamani International Airport handles international flights connecting Niger to destinations across West Africa and beyond.

The facility serves both civilian passengers and military operations. Any disruption affects travelers and humanitarian supply lines in a landlocked nation dependent on air cargo for critical supplies.

Travelers with upcoming plans to transit through Niamey should contact their airlines directly for schedule updates. Security incidents at airports typically trigger flight cancellations and increased screening procedures.

Major carriers serving the region may issue travel waivers allowing passengers to rebook without change fees.

Government travel advisories for Niger should be consulted before any planned travel. Several Western governments maintain standing travel warnings for the country.

Airlines operating in the region monitor security conditions and adjust schedules accordingly. Passengers holding award tickets or mileage redemptions through partner carriers should check with their loyalty program for rebooking options.

The African Union’s detailed casualty report suggests the organization is tracking the situation closely. Its acknowledgment of both military and civilian deaths points to the human cost of the attack.

The inclusion of 22 attackers among the dead indicates the scale of the assault on the airport and military base.

Egypt’s pledge of support for Sahel countries comes at a delicate moment. Niger’s military government has shifted away from Western partners since the 2023 coup.

Cairo’s offer of counterterrorism cooperation signals an effort to maintain regional alliances regardless of political transitions. The Sahel G5 security framework, once a cornerstone of regional counterterrorism efforts, has faltered as member states reorient their foreign policy.

Travelers should avoid non-essential travel to Niamey until authorities confirm that Diori Hamani International Airport has resumed normal operations. Monitor airline communications and government advisories for updates on flight schedules and security conditions.