Gunfire and explosions were heard at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger, on the morning of Thursday, June 18, 2026, and continued for nearly two hours. According to corroborated reports from China and Qatar, 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed in the attack. The airport was previously targeted by an Islamic State affiliate in January.

The Ministry of Defence and government sources reported that 22 attackers were killed, according to Al Jazeera. However, other sources state the cause of the gunfire and explosions remains unclear and that no confirmation of casualties or damage has been established. Niger’s military-led government has yet to issue an official statement explaining the attack, according to Arise.tv.

Security forces engaged in a shootout with gunmen at the airport, according to DW, and Islamists are suspected of being behind the attack. Niger's defense and security forces reported that attackers gained access to the airport, according to Bluesky. Residents said security forces had blocked off the area around the airport, according to France24. An official from Niger’s Foreign Affairs ministry told Anadolu news agency that the situation was 'under control' and urged calm. Videos on social media show air defence systems firing at unidentified objects; verification is lacking.