Russia Condemns Attack on Niger Airport, Cites Foreign Mercenaries

Moscow, – Russia’s Foreign Ministry has expressed grave concern over an armed assault on the international airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, which took place on June 18.

In an official statement released on Saturday, Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that Moscow is deeply troubled by the attack, which targeted the airport of a country she described as a “friendly nation.”

According to official reports from Niger’s Ministry of National Defense, the country’s armed forces successfully repelled the assault, neutralizing the attackers through lethal force or capture. The Nigerien military further alleged that the assailants were armed mercenaries operating in the interests of France.

Moscow strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a terrorist act aimed at destabilizing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc of which Niger is a key member. Zakharova emphasized Russia’s solidarity with the Nigerien people and the leadership of President Abdourahamane Tchiani.

The statement comes amid ongoing geopolitical shifts in the Sahel region, where Niger has progressively distanced itself from Western military alliances following a series of coups and has strengthened ties with Russia. The attack marks one of the most significant security breaches in Niamey since the AES was formally established earlier this year. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the assault.