Russia, Libya, and Qatar condemn deadly terror attack in Niger

Russia, Libya, and Qatar condemned the terrorist attack that occurred on June 18 at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of the Republic of Niger.

Niger’s Ministry of National Defense reported that 11 soldiers, two civilians, and 22 attackers lost their lives. The incident marks the second assault on the same airport this year.

The attack was claimed by Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM), an al‑Qaeda affiliate. Niger, however, attributes the assault to armed mercenaries backed by a Western country.

Moscow described the ambush as an attempt to destabilise the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), of which Niger is a member alongside Burkina Faso and Mali. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated Russia’s solidarity with the Nigerien population and its leadership under President Abdourahamane Tchiani.

Libya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attack a criminal act designed to weaken Niger’s security and stability, threatening citizens and vital infrastructure. The government expressed solidarity with Niger, rejecting all forms of terrorism, extremism, and violence regardless of motive or justification. Tripoli urged a strengthened regional and international response to the threats that jeopardise security across the Sahel and the wider African continent.

Libya supported the Nigerien authorities’ efforts to enhance security and protect state institutions, calling for greater regional cooperation and coordination to tackle cross‑border security challenges.

The State of Qatar also condemned the deadly onslaught, reaffirming its “firm stance against violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of the motives or reasons.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed condolences to the families of the victims, to the Nigerien government and people, and wished a swift recovery for the injured.