French and West African countries suspected of involvement in airport attack

Niger’s Military Government Accuses France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of Sponsoring Attack on Airbase

General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of Niger’s military government, claimed that France, Benin, and Ivory Coast are behind an attack on a military base at Niamey’s international airport. The attack occurred on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, with reports of heavy gunfire and explosions near the presidential palace.

Tiani made these claims during a visit to the airbase, where four military personnel were injured and 20 attackers killed, according to the defence ministry. A French national was among those killed, and eleven people were arrested. The attack lasted approximately 30 minutes before an “air and ground response” was deployed.

The military leader also thanked Russian troops stationed at the base for defending their sector, highlighting Niger’s growing ties with Moscow. Russia has provided military support to help tackle a rebellion linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL in the region.

Tiani’s comments reflect the deteriorating relations between Niger and France, as well as its neighboring countries that he views as French proxies. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali and Burkina Faso, has been struggling to contain the rebellion, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of displaced people.

The military government’s accusations have yet to be commented on by France, Benin, or Ivory Coast.

Source: Al Jazeera