Niger’s security forces on Thursday killed at least 20 gunmen and detained 11 others after foiling an attack targeting Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport, the Defense Ministry said.

The ministry said the attack occurred late Wednesday into Thursday when a group described as “mercenaries” targeted Air Base 101 located near the international airport.

According to the ministry, the attackers arrived on motorcycles with their headlights turned off and launched an assault that lasted around 30 minutes before being pushed back by security forces. Most of those detained were reported to be seriously wounded.

The statement said FDS units seized a significant amount of military equipment as well as several motorcycles used by the attackers. It added that the attack was thwarted, but four soldiers were wounded during the clashes.

The ministry also reported that some military equipment was damaged after an ammunition depot caught fire during the confrontation.Before fleeing the area, the armed attackers opened fire on three civilian aircraft, including two planes belonging to Asky Airlines.

State television said a rapid response operation involving both ground and air units resulted in the killing of 20 attackers and the arrest of 11 others. (ILKHA)