Russia has condemned an attempted attack on Niger’s main airport in the capital Niamey, expressing support for the country’s military-led government and accusing the attackers of seeking to destabilise the wider Sahel alliance.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow was concerned by Thursday’s assault on Niamey International Airport, where Nigerien authorities said security forces repelled a group of armed fighters.
According to a provisional toll released by Niger’s Defence Ministry, at least 22 attackers were killed during the exchange of fire, while around 21 suspects were arrested after the assault.
The ministry said 11 defence and security personnel and two civilians were also killed, while four others were wounded.
Zakharova, citing information from Niger’s Defence Ministry, described the attackers as armed mercenaries allegedly acting on behalf of France.
“Russia strongly condemns this latest attack by terrorists seeking to undermine the stability of the Confederation of Sahel States,” she said.
Moscow also expressed solidarity with Niger’s people and leadership, including President Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Niger is part of the Confederation of Sahel States, a regional bloc formed with Mali and Burkina Faso after military takeovers in the three West African countries.
The alliance has increasingly distanced itself from France and other Western partners while deepening security and diplomatic ties with Russia.