The Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) has released a video depicting its fighters carrying out an audacious attack on the 101 Airbase of the Nigerien Air Force located within the Niamey international airport complex.
In the footage, scores of Islamic State–Sahel gunmen riding motorbikes were seen invading the site and destroying military planes, with little obvious resistance from Nigerien security forces.
The clip shows the ISWAP terrorists firing heavy weapons, vandalising aircraft on the tarmac and jubilating after what they termed as a “successful mission.”
The fighters were also heard continuously chanting their regular “Allahu Akbar” shouts during the operation.
The Islamic State in the Sahel has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, characterising it as an attack on the international airport and the nearby air force base in Niamey, the capital of Niger, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activity and communications globally.
Security analysts think the group is expected to broadcast a longer documentary-style movie in the coming days, a pattern common with other Islamic State operations in the region.
The revelation of the tape raises serious issues about the state of security at one of Niger’s most sensitive military stations and the ability of the country’s armed forces to preserve crucial national infrastructure amid growing militant conflict.
According to reports, last Thursday saw a a burst of heavy gunfire and explosions shortly after midnight near Niger’s main international airport in the capital, Niamey, scaring residents and briefly shattering the city’s serenity.
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Locals captured videos of loud explosions and light streaks ripping across the night sky. Additional film that is making the rounds on the internet shows several cars burning and charring as flames rise several meters high.
In recent years, Jihadist organisations like ISWAP have increased their attacks on Niger and its neighbours, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. The attacks have intensified despite previous military takeovers in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso and promises to emphasise security and restore peace.
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